(“Earth, that fragile piece of stardust we call home, that unique planet where life exists in all its diverse splendor, that amazing floating rock whose mysteries we have only begun to discover”) from Seasons of the Sprit, 2015
September 5th is Planet Earth Sunday, that time in our Season of Creation series where we are invited to see ourselves as an inherent part of the created world.
We are not separate from it, masters of it or, on the other hand, beholden to it.
Rather, like the plants and rocks and birds and cattle, the fish and turtles and crawling things, we are a part of it. This planet earth is our home, the only one we have.
The Season of Creation sets us on a path of rediscovery of our God-filled world and our place it. It invites us into worship and faith, and guides us to living with respect in creation for the sake of all God’s creatures.
Within each created being is the DNA of the Creator, the stardust of the cosmos. We are all related through this great creation, we are brothers and sisters with all that is.
In 2015, Pope Frances offered a prayer for our earth which I would share with you:
All-powerful God, you are present in the
whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and
forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.
Pope Francis, Laudato Si
If you are able, join us for worship on this first week in the Season of Creation where we will pray:
Through your word and your design, O God, you call us to remember we are part of the abundance of your creation, from tiny molecules to divine light. Every being reflects your DNA and reminds us that you continue to create and delight in what you have made. With these gifts, move us from despair to hope; from taking things for granted to a place of deep reverence. Amen.
Pastor Beryl, DLM