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Today, like St. Francis, we praise God for the magnificent creation of the sun, the source of life-giving heat and light. Earth was perfectly created in relationship to the sun. Closer, our planet would be too hot for life. Farther, too cold. Yet, our planet's prime location is not enough on its own. Surrounding the Earth, God created an insulating atmosphere to filter out harmful radiation and maintain the delicate balance of light and warmth needed for life to survive and thrive. No other planet has an atmosphere to support life.
God created the Earth to care for us.
Grateful for this miraculous creation, we contemplate our relationship to the sun facilitated by Earth’s atmosphere which maintains the temperature of our common home. A temperature that is becoming warmer and less hospitable. As we witness our planet and our most vulnerable neighbors suffering from the consequences of climate change and associated economic and social disruptions and injustices - poverty, famine, war, displacement, diseases, and other hardships, our Franciscan call to care for our common home is increasingly urgent. Sometimes the journey ahead feels overwhelming, but with humility, we remember that God is with us and empowers those called to serve.
God created us to care for the Earth and each other.
This year’s Season of Creation unites us with all persons of faith as we renew our relationship with God and all creation and commit ourselves to go forward in hope to care for our common home and serve as instruments of God’s peace. We invite you to explore the following resources and join us in contemplative prayer.
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