Sunday’s Reflection – Week of Creation #2 (Sept. 10, 2023)

“Whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9

How can we say we love our neighbour while we ignore the catastrophe that is facing our neighbours, in particular our most vulnerable global neighbours? How can we ignore the cries of our neighbours being devastated by drought and flooding, hurricanes and wildfires?

Too often, religious communities fear the tension and confrontation involved in social movements, including the climate movement. Too many congregations fear linking faith with current events or politics. They propose individual behaviour change because pursuing systemic change simply feels too hard, frightening or dangerous. But for the sake of life, we can and must draw from deep spiritual sources to overcome our hesitancy.

This week’s readings tell us that it is time to wake up, to draw strength from religious rituals that are matters of great significance and require our courage and integrity, and to engage together in behaviour that is uncomfortable but morally required.

Many people wonder where to find God in the midst of the climate crisis. This week’s readings point us in the right direction. The traditions of our faith give us strength: the Eucharist, songs of praise and lament, the commandment to love our neighbour and the prophetic traditions all form part of the spiritual wells from which we must drink.

“The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration to pray and respond together to the cry of Creation: the ecumenical family around the world unites to listen and care for our common home, the Oikos of God.” Rev. Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.

“The world humans have known, enjoyed, and celebrated is changing rapidly beyond repair. Biodiversity is being lost at a rate not seen since the last mass extinction”. Rev. Dr Jerry Pillay, World Council of Churches General Secretary.

Prayer: Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the powerful who oppress and dominate Creation, so you never forsake your creatures who live in harmony with nature’s order; through Jesus Christ the Wisdom of Creation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.