Whenever we narrow religious life to our own concerns, then we overlook the prophetic calling of the Church to implore God and invoke the divine Spirit for the renewal of the whole polluted cosmos. For, the entire world is the space within which this transformation is enacted. When we are transformed by divine grace, then we discern the injustice in which we are participants; but then we will also labor to share the resources of our planet; then, we realize that eco-justice is paramount -- not simply for a better life, but for our very survival.(Bartholomew I)
Musical Selection
As the world wakes up in the morning, And the sun smiles with its warmth, The birds spread their wings, As they soar the vast blue skies. The flowers give off their scents; Fragrance fills the air.
Oh, this earth is a paradise So delightful to behold. How can we be so unkind to this planet where we live? This God’s gift to humanity Let not ruin make its way.
As the waters in the rivers flow Into the roaring rapids. All the trees sway and dance With the rhythm of the blowing wind. As the rains drench the ground, The whole creation breathes with life.
All the mountains and the hills are crowned And covered with vegetation. And a thousand creatures dwell, Running and creeping everywhere. The ocean and the deep blue seas Are teeming with a million species.
Let us love this universe. It’s the only one we’ve got. Let the future generations enjoy this gift of love. It’s the living witness of the power of God’s grace.
Prayer
God of orchards that rise with blossoms in Spring! God of summer where the faithful read Scripture under green, leafy canopies. God of autumn soils renewed by the mulch of falling leaves. God of all creation!
By your glory, Lord, every tree rose up! Yet we have listened to the wicked. We saw your good road, yet stood to the side while the forests were destroyed. We knew your path, but closed our windows when the soils were scraped bare, dried up and turned to dust.
Hear our call for restoration. Let us renew our lives, our communities, our health, and this good planet.
Holy God of all creation! You who make the sapling rise and the water flow! Thank you for this good ground. Let us be the hands of the righteous to nourish the soil. Let us be like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. For you are God, in whom all things are made.(United Methodist Church)
