September 1 - October 4
For The Cry of The Earth
We pray
that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth
and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change,
and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live.
Season of Creation 2024
Theme and Symbol
The theme for 2024 is “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol is
“The firstfruits of hope”, inspired by Letter of St. Paul to the Romans 8:19-25.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
This year we capitalized Creation - Our theme emphasizes that Creation is not an object that has been created for human use, but rather a subject that we are called to relate to and collaborate with as fellow creatures. By capitalizing Creation, we refer to both the created order and the mystery of God’s continuing act of creation. We acknowledge the whole created order, or the whole cosmos, including all living and non-living parts of God’s Creation, showing our theological respect, reverence, accountability, and interdependence with the natural world.
First fruits of Hope (Romans 8:23-25)
Hope is an instrument enabling us to overcome the natural law of decay. Hope
is given to us by God as a protection and guard against futility. Only through
hope we may realize the gift of freedom in fullness. Freedom to act not only to
achieve enjoyment and prosperity but to reach the stage in which we are free
and responsible. Freedom and responsibility enable us to make the world a better
place.
We act for a better future because we know Christ has overcome the death
caused by our sins. There is a lot of pain on Earth because of our shortcomings.
Our structural and ecological sins inflict pain on Earth and all creatures, including
ourselves. We know that we have caused a lot of damage to Creation, and
to the world we are living in because of our negligence, because of ignorance,
but as well, in many cases, because of our unrelenting wish to satisfy unrealistic
selfish dreams (cf. Romans 8:22).
ourselves. We know that we have caused a lot of damage to Creation, and
to the world we are living in because of our negligence, because of ignorance,
but as well, in many cases, because of our unrelenting wish to satisfy unrealistic
selfish dreams (cf. Romans 8:22).
We know how much bold action to restrain the climate and ecological crises is
urgent, and we also know that ecological conversion is a slow process as humans
are stubborn to change their minds, their hearts, and their ways of living.
Sometimes we don’t know what our actions should look like. As we journey in
life, we get new ideas and inspirations to find a better balance between
the urgency and the slow rhythm of long-lasting change. We might not
fully comprehend all that is happening, we might not understand the ways of
God, but we are called to trust and follow with concrete and sustained actions,
following the example of Christ, the redeemer of the whole cosmos.
Ways To Incorporate The Symbol
- Organize an encounter to introduce this year’s Season of Creation theme and symbol. Briefly introduce and explain the theme and symbol, then dedicate a few minutes to open dialogue or small group discussions so people can share how they feel about the theme and symbol and what activities they would like to organize during the season.
- Hold a procession of the fruits of the Earth from your local community or region, inviting a diversity of people to help bring these gifts to the table: different ages, different races, different genders.
- Research on what are the local seeds that are easy to grow and cultivate where you live, and see if your community can offer these seeds to the faithful. You can incorporate this at the end of a prayer service, offering some reflection on how we are all called to bear the first fruits of hope, and commit to check on how these seeds have grown by the time of next year’s Season of Creation.
Sharing of peace
In Christ, we are called not to conform to this world, but to be transformed
by the renewing of our minds.
In Christ, we are called not to conform to this world, but to be transformed
by the renewing of our minds.
We seek to discern the will of God, to do what is good and acceptable
and perfect.
Let us not lag in zeal but be ardent in spirit and serve God.
We intend to live in harmony with one another and with all of Creation.
Let us strive to live peaceably with all and share a sign of peace with
one another.
The peace of God be with you. Amen.
