“The protection of creation, is not only an ethical issue, but one that is eminently theological, for it is the point where the mystery of man and the mystery of God intersect. This intersection can be called “creative”, since it originates in the act of love by which God created human beings in Christ. That creative act of God enables and grounds the freedom and morality of all human activity. We are free precisely because we were created in the image of God who is Jesus Christ, and, as a result, are “representatives” of creation in Christ himself.” Pope Francis
Creation is standing on tiptoe waiting for the children of God to be revealed (Romans 8:19) Creation and all of us are called to worship the Creator, working together for a future filled with active hope. Only when we work together with Creation can the first fruits of hope be born. St. Paul reminds us that both Creation and humanity are conceived from the beginning in Christ and, therefore, are entrusted to each other. The children of God are those who stretch up their hands towards the Creator, recognising themselves as humble creatures, to praise and respect God, and at the same time to love, respect, care, and learn from God’s gift of Creation. Creation is not given to humanity to use and abuse, rather, humanity is created to be part of Creation. More than a common home, Creation is also a cosmic family that calls us to act responsibly. This is how the children of God have an intrinsic vocation and important role to play in the manifestation of the kingdom of justice (cf. Rom 8:19).
“Future generations will never forgive us if we miss the opportunity to protect our common home. We have inherited a garden; we must not leave a desert for our children.”
Season of Creation begins on Sunday September 1st and continues until 4 October (Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi).
It celebrates the joy of creation as well as encouraging awareness-raising initiatives to protect the natural environment.
This year’s theme is “To Hope and Act with Creation”.