Written by the National Liturgical Office.

The Season of Creation is a time of grace that the Church, in ecumenical dialogue, offers to humanity to renew its relationship with the Creator and with creation, through celebration, conversion and commitment together.

The Psalmist declares, “The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge…their voice is not heard, yet their voice goes out through all the Earth, and their words to the end of the world.” (19: 1-4)

Creation never ceases to proclaim, but do we listen?

Many voices are muted in public discourse around climate change and the ethics of Earth-keeping. These are voices of those who suffer the impacts of climate change. These are voices of people who hold generational wisdom about how to live gratefully within the limits of the land. These are voices of a diminishing diversity of more-than-human species. It is the voice of the Earth.

We have been urged to consider the silenced voices, in terms of biodiverse species (and lost species) and the Earth, the people whose voices and knowledge are silenced in public discourse, and the importance of contemplating and listening to nature.

The symbol chosen for this year is the burning bush, which contrasts the fire of so many unnatural fires that aggravate the climate crisis; with the sign of fire as the light of the Holy Spirit that unites Christians.

Today, the prevalence of unnatural fires are a sign of the devastating effects that climate change has on the most vulnerable of our planet. Creation cries out as forests crackle, animals flee, and people are forced to migrate due to the fires of injustice.

On the contrary, the fire that called to Moses as he tended the flock on Mt Horeb did not consume or destroy the bush. This flame of the Spirit revealed God’s presence. This holy fire affirmed that God heard the cries of all who suffered, and promised to be with us as we followed in faith to our deliverance from injustice.

“I have heard their cry…I know their sufferings…
Come, now! I will send you…I will be with you.” Ex 3:1-12

In this Season of Creation, this symbol of God’s spirit calls us to listen to the voice of creation.

Resources to support liturgies throughout this Season of Creation

Season of Creation landing page HERE

Prayer and worship resources HERE

Climate Sunday:  Resources developed for COP 26 (Nov 21) in UK. Can be adapted for 2022 HERE

Day of Prayer for Care of Creation 1 September: A collection of prayers to choose from.

MUSIC

From Resound worship 2020 comes a haunting hymn. Music notation available.

If the fields are parched. Dur 4:26 HERE

‘If the fields are parched
Have mercy Lord
Forgive our broken ways…’

Complete Season of Creation Celebration Guide (42 pages) HERE

‘Praise be to the Holy Trinity! God is sound and life, Creator of the Universe,
Source of all life, whom the angels sing; wondrous Light of all mysteries
known or unknown to humankind, and life that lives in all.’
--Hildegard of Bingen, 13th Century.

The post Season of Creation: Listen to the Voice of Creation first appeared on Archdiocese of Wellington.