By observing nature, especially its majestic aspects that surpass us on physical scales many times over, we realize that it is far greater than us. On the other hand, by observing ourselves and nature, we understand that in many ways, we are above it. The awareness of nature’s greatness and superiority inspires our admiration. However, realizing that in some ways, we surpass it often leads us to ignore, belittle, and exploit the nature. This dual relationship between us and nature can confuse us, but perhaps this relationship is precisely a gift so that we do not see ourselves as its adversary but rather as its sibling. A sibling is someone who is connected yet different. Whether stronger or weaker, they are there to help and build rather than destroy.

But if we are not able to be in harmony with ourselves and with one another, how can we be in harmony with the rest of creation? It is impossible to seek partial harmony or balance, either within ourselves or in our relationship with the world. Harmony in art, for example, means the balance of all parts. If an excellent painting, piece of music, drama, or other artwork contains some disorderly element, it confuses us at the very least. For something to function and form a meaningful whole, harmony must be present throughout.

The same is true of a person: body, psyche, and spirit must achieve balance for us to be truly well-rounded and entirely healthy, so that our relationship with the environment may also be healthy. If there is health within us — and usually there is — in relation to nature and all that we consider good and worth attention, a need arises for protection and preservation. Here, two different processes emerge: a state and an action. Correct action requires much more discipline than simply having the right mindset or state. Action needs to be cultivated, and cultivation always begins with immediate situations and the immediate environment.

The need for preservation, for perpetuation, for harmony is a need of the human spirit. If we cannot express it in what directly surrounds us, how will we preserve it on the more abstract levels — the levels of the spirit? Humans are beings of gradation; if we cannot fulfill small tasks and duties, it is a sign that the bigger, more important ones are also slipping through our hands. Our overall attitude must be one of harmony and brotherhood, care and balance, for only then can we succeed in our endeavors to create harmony in the world and integrate into it in the right way. We want to leave a positive mark on the world and have a purpose, to be protectors of the world through our actions.

Saint Florian, a Roman soldier and martyr for the faith, whose church stands here, is celebrated as the patron saint of firefighters because, according to legend, he helped extinguish fires, among other things. To live as a brother to humanity is what leads to holiness. To live by ideals, to commit to them in concrete ways — both physically and spiritually, in small and great things, even at the cost of life itself — is the ultimate expression of the harmony of spirit, soul, and body within us.

Saint Florian is not holy because he died, but because he lived as a brother to humanity. That is why he occupies the position of guardian and brother today, and we are encouraged to turn to him in our needs, just as we turn to other saints for intercession. For during their earthly lives, they learned to listen and respond correctly because they desired and lived the harmony. Let us also strive to examine ourselves and become more trustworthy people of integrity, in harmony with ourselves, the created world, and God. We should start with small things; that is the best path.