Season of Creation Week 5

Where are there “burning bush” signs of hope for our future?

As we draw near the end of this Season of Creation, it might be helpful to recognize the signs of hope that are there for us if we take the time to look. There are “burning bushes’ to be seen globally and locally. Included here are some of those and some words to encourage us to be people of hope.

Significant strides have been made in cutting world poverty in the last two decades. (See report from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at  https://www.gatesfoundation.org/goalkeepers/report/2022-report/

Let them know with absolute certainty that they will not be abandoned in their needs. God will provide for them wonderfully well. Angela (6th Counsel)

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:5)

Nearly half of the largest companies in the US now recognize that it is everyone’s responsibility to tackle climate change and preserve our planet for future generations. What is more, as some of the world’s largest energy users, businesses have a unique opportunity to lead. https://www.worldwildlife.org/

Have hope and firm faith in God, for God will help you with everything. (Angela, Prologue)

But the eyes of God are on those who hope is in God’s unfailing love. (Ps 33:18)

Global Fishing Watch (https://globalfishingwatch.org.) use cutting-edge technology to turn big data into actionable information. Its purpose is to create and publicly share knowledge about human activity at sea to enable fair and sustainable use of our ocean.

If you strive to live like this, without doubt, God will be with you. (Angela, Last Counsel)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jerimiah 29:11)

Where do you see signs of hope in your community? in your local area? in your own choices? How can you be a sign of hope for others, simple steps, how might you share those steps, hopes?

Season of Creation Week 4

Fourth Week of Season of Creation

In this Season of Creation, we are asked to contemplate the

image of the burning bush. Moses realized that he stood on

holy ground and he knew that God was asking something

special of him and would be with him, giving him strength

and wisdom to accomplish what was being asked.

 

We have spent time reflecting on the vastness of creation,

giving thanks “In the Name of All that Is”, and lamenting in

recognition of the devastation and destruction that is so present in our times.

 

With Moses, we continue to stand on holy ground realizing that the voice we hear

in each corner of our earth is the voice of God.

Let us listen now to what this voice is telling us to do.

The Jesuit Examen is a wonderful process to help us reflect on our experience of

God’s presence in our lives and on our response to what God is asking of us.

As you follow the link below to this ecological examen video on YouTube,

remember that you can pause the reflection to move at your own pace

or for sharing if you do this as a group….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLJeg3-hPEw

Season of Creation Prayer

Give us hearts to listen for the good news of your promise

to renew the face of the Earth.

Enlighten us with the grace to follow the Way of Christ

as we learn to walk lightly upon this holy ground.

Fill us with the hope to quench the fires of injustice with the light

of your healing love that sustains our common home.

September 11th -- Never Forget

Sunday, September 11th, marks the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. We remember and pray for all the souls lost and families affected by the tragedy.



O God of love, compassion, and healing,

look on us, people of many different faiths

and traditions,

who gather today at this site,

the scene of incredible violence and pain.

We ask you in your goodness

to give eternal light and peace

to all who died here--

the heroic first-responders:

our fire fighters, police officers,

emergency service workers, and

Port Authority personnel,

along with all the innocent men and women

who were victims of this tragedy

simply because their work or service

brought them here on September 11, 2001.

We ask you, in your compassion

to bring healing to those

who, because of their presence here that day,

suffer from injuries and illness.

Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families

and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy.

Give them strength to continue their lives

with courage and hope.

We are mindful as well

of those who suffered death, injury, and loss

on the same day at the Pentagon and in

Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Our hearts are one with theirs

as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.

God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world:

peace in the hearts of all men and women

and peace among the nations of the earth.

Turn to your way of love

those whose hearts and minds

are consumed with hatred.

God of understanding,

overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,

we seek your light and guidance

as we confront such terrible events.

Grant that those whose lives were spared

may live so that the lives lost here

may not have been lost in vain.

Comfort and console us,

strengthen us in hope,

and give us the wisdom and courage

to work tirelessly for a world

where true peace and love reign

among nations and in the hearts of all.

Amen.

Pope Benedict XI--Prayer at Ground Zero

New York, 20 April 2008

Season of Creation Week 2

 

Each week during the Season of Creation our USA JPIC Team is sharing a reflection.  The reflection for  Week 2 was prepared by Sr. Maureen Welch, OSU

In this Season of Creation, we pray that you would call to us, as from the burning bush, with the sustaining fire of your Spirit. Breathe upon us. Open our ears and move our hearts.  Turn us from our inward gaze. Teach us to contemplate your creation and listen for the voice of each creature declaring your glory.

You are invited to watch “In the Name of All That Is” by Jan Novotko at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AnLgVreNic

Reflection: What are the voices of creation that you are being invited to listen to?

For what do you give thanks?

Prayer: Canticle of Creation St. Francis of Assisi

O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God, to you belong praise, glory, honour and all blessing. Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation and especially for our Brother Sun, who brings us the day and the light; he is strong and shines magnificently. O Lord, we think of you when we look at him.

Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon, and for the stars which you have set shining and lovely in the heavens. Be praised, my Lord, for our Brothers Wind and Air and every kind of weather by which you, Lord, uphold life in all your creatures.

Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water, who is very useful to us, and humble and precious and  pure. Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire, through whom you give us light in the darkness: he is bright and lively and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Earth, our Mother, who nourishes us and sustains us, bringing forth fruits and vegetables of many kinds and flowers of many colours.  

Be praised, my Lord, for those who forgive for love of you; and for those who bear sickness  and weakness in peace and patience - you will grant them a crown.

Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death, whom we must all face. I praise and bless you, Lord, and I give thanks to you, and I will serve you in all humility.