Hope and Act with Creation
The ecumenically supported Season of Creation this year has the challenging theme of Hope and Act with Creation.
There are many reasons for hope: creation and the challenges it is facing are very much on many people’s radar; the inspiring life and actions of St Francis of Assisi, whose Feast Day is 4th October and who lived 800 years ago still holds much sway and inspires many Christian denominations. We can also find hope and rejoice in the enthralling phrase that Mark gives in the final paragraph of the Gospel passage for the 27th Sunday: “I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it”.
We are invited to enter and enjoy creation with the wonder and curiosity of a child?
The moments when we can do this are to be held and treasured. They are vital nourishment for our journey.
The challenges to care for and act with creation are getting louder.
We are aware of this more and more in the ever-pressing realities of daily life. What may appear to be the simple activity of shopping for basic food stuffs can become a very challenging task. How can we shop with respect for creation and our fellow humans? We try to choose minimum wrapping that is biodegradable but this is far from easy. There is a growing body of persuasive evidence that buying plant-based foods rather than meats is better for creation. Strongly held beliefs and practices are under pressure.
As we come to the conclusion of the celebration of the Season of Creation, we give praise and thanks to the Creator.
To assist us let us draw on some lines in the prayer gifted to us by Pope Francis at the conclusion of Laudato Si’:
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.
The Season of Creation Weekly Reflections
WEEK ONE
Reflection for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, 1st September 2024
WEEK TWO
Reflection for the Second Sunday of the Season of Creation, 8th September 2024
WEEK THREE
Reflection for the Third Sunday of the Season of Creation, 15th September 2024
WEEK FOUR
Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of the Season of Creation, 22nd September 2024
WEEK FIVE
Reflection for The Fifth Sunday of the Season of Creation 29th September 2024
WEEK SIX
Reflection for The Final Day of the Season of Creation, 4th October 2024
Download our Season of Creation Brochure
Jim Owens
