The five Sundays after Labour Day are designated as Creation Time. This is a season we set aside to honour and appreciate creation. This seems like a bit of a no-brainer! The stewardship and care of creation is strong throughout the Biblical narrative but the reality is that Christianity has had, and continues to have, a checkered history in this regard. Many have interpreted the verse from Genesis, “To have dominion over” as a call to exploitation rather than to one of care. While there is evidence all around us some Christian groups will deny, or at least give little attention to the Climate crisis that is so clearly in evidence in the environment.
Our commitment to care for creation, despite evidence to the contrary, is deeply ingrained in Christian writing. Centuries ago, Basil the Great (who lived from 329 to 379) wrote, “I want creation to penetrate you with so much admiration that wherever you go, the least plant may bring you the clear remembrance of the Creator …One blade of grass or one speck of dust is enough to occupy your entire mind in beholding the art with which it has been made.” (Hexaemeron, Homily V, ‘The Germination of the Earth’.)
With the impact of Covid19 many front burner issues – like the Climate Crisis – have been pushed to the back burner. But that does not mean it has gone away. While we celebrate the small shifts we have noticed with less human activity we also see the continuance of disregard as disposable face masks litter the streets and float in the lakes and rivers. We need to keep vigilant in the care for creation and remember that every element of creation, every tree, rock, leaf, human, bears the imprint of God.
When we look and listen, when we open our hearts to creation we are looking at listening to and opening ourselves to God.
Here is my challenge to you for today. Go outside. Go for a hike or a walk in nature, sit in a lawn chair. Find some token of nature – a leaf, a flower and keep it on your table as a connection to the earth. Every time you notice it say a prayer of gratitude.
