Readings, hymns, reflection and prayers of petition for Season of Creation.
READINGS: Ezekiel 34:2-3, Isaiah 42.5 Psalm: 96:11-12 Gospel: John 1:1-5.
HYMNS: God We Praise You, words Christopher Idle; Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, words Henry J van Dyke; Morning Has Broken, words Eleanor Farjeon; Sing Out, Earth and Skies, words and music Marty Haugen.
REFLECTION
The lockdowns imposed in response to COVID-19 shrank our physical world to the areas within walking distance of our homes. Conversely though, these restrictions have opened our eyes to a world we rarely have had time to see before.
During my daily walk I’ve seen the leaves of the trees turn from green to gold, disappear from the branches altogether, and now as spring approaches I’m watching blossoms adorn the trees in swathes of pink and white. I hadn’t known there were so many birds in the area. I hear them sing in the morning and have stumbled across flocks of colourful rosellas in nearby parkland. In a garden where once there were a few pots, neglected and forlorn, is now an area vibrant with herbs, which are picked fresh to flavour meals.
Time and appreciation of my local environment have been gifts to counteract some of the problems brought about by the pandemic.
However, as the world slowly opened up and travel at least within our states became possible, the blessings of time and nature were taking a backseat to the urge to go further afield and explore. So, for us in Melbourne, the sudden thrust back to lockdown has come as a bit of a shock. What was difficult enough four months ago, seems harder this time around.
To help us weather this setback in the national response to COVID-19, we must then cultivate a sincere gratitude for God’s Creation, which nurtures us with its bounty and beauty.
This year the Season of Creation (1 September to 4 October) will take place during the Laudato si’ Year, which was proclaimed in May to commemorate the fifth-year anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical.
The season of Creation is an annual ecumenical celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. It is a time to slow down and focus on what matters. During this special time each year, we repair and restore our relationships with each other and with all creation.
The Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development urged Catholics to take part in the Season of Creation. Msgr. Bruno-Marie Duffé, the Dicastery’s Secretary said the Season of Creation was particularly relevant this year as the world struggles against the coronavirus pandemic.
‘As the world experiences deep uncertainty and suffering in the midst of a global emergency,” Msgr Duffé said, ‘we are called to recognise that a truly healthy recovery means seeing that “everything is connected” and repairing the bonds we have broken.’
PRAYERS OF PETITION
Creator God, grant us the grace to respect and care for your creation. Lord, hear our prayer.
Father of all, bless all of your creatures as a sign of your wondrous love. Lord, hear our prayer.
Christ our brother, we pray that we are reconciled with this country’s First Nations peoples who walked on and cared for this land for thousands of years. Lord, hear us
Spirit of freedom, we ask that as a nation of migrants, we replace fear and resentment of migrants with outreach and listening. Lord hear, us.
Spirit of life, help us to use our technological inventiveness to undo the damage we have done to your creation and to sustain your gift of nature. Lord, hear us.
Jesus, friend of the earth, help us to promote the fair distribution of Earth’s resources. Lord hear us.
O Lord, help us to end the suffering of the poor and bring healing to all of your creation. Lord hear us.
God of all, you gladden our hearts with the beauty of your Creation. May we always prove to be worthy stewards of your gift. Lord hear us.
This article first appeared in the Spring 2020 edition of Madonna magazine.
Image: Mt Kosciouzko, Australia, Jade Stephens, Unsplash