Renewal of our relationship with Creation (September 1st)
In his Message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Francis chose the theme “Let Justice and Peace Flow.” “God wants justice to reign; it is as essential to our life as God’s children made in his likeness as water is essential for our physical survival.”
Pope Francis first instituted the September 1st World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in 2015, serving to encourage the faithful around the world to pray for our common home.
The threats to our planet and water sources are many: fossil fuels and the destruction of forests that contribute to climate change; the depletion and pollution of freshwater sources through extreme practices such as fracking or uncontrolled mega-mining projects and intense animal farming.
We need to act urgently, to create a more sustainable and just world. It is possible to prevent the worst from happening if we all unite to come up with more sustainable ways to live now and for the future.
“Truly, much can be done, provided we come together like so many streams, brooks, and rivulets, merging finally in a mighty river to irrigate the life of our marvellous planet and our human family for generations to come. So let us join hands and take bold steps to “Let Justice and Peace Flow” throughout our world.”
“With the help of God’s grace,” he adds, “Let us adopt lifestyles marked by less waste and unnecessary consumption, especially where the processes of production are toxic and unsustainable.”
May the Holy Spirit once more hover over the waters and guide our efforts to renew the face of the earth.