The Dominican Sisters and Associates of Grand Rapids are full of hope as we join the world for this celebration and journey of study. The Season of Creation calls us to be one humanity, fully conscious of the impact that humans have on all corners of the world. We support this prayerful time as we contemplate the new life we can help bring into being.
In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:22). Francis of Assisi understood this when he referred to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures. The times we live in show that we are not relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used.
And yet, there is hope and the expectation for a better future. To hope in a biblical context does not mean to stand still and quiet, but rather groaning, crying, and actively striving for new life amidst the struggles. Just as in childbirth, we go through a period of intense pain, but new life springs forth.
The symbol for 2024 is the firstfruits of hope
Hope is an instrument enabling us to overcome the natural law of decay. Hope is given to us by God as a protection and guard against futility. Only through hope we may realize the gift of freedom in fullness. Freedom to act not only to achieve enjoyment and prosperity, but to reach the stage in which we are free and responsible. Freedom and responsibility enable us to make the world a better place. Only when we work together with Creation can the firstfruits of hope emerge.
Experience the Opening Event for 2024 Season of Creation
Ecumenical leaders of different religious denominations participated in a Prayer Service on Sunday, September 1. You can watch that meaningful prayer experience on YouTube using this link
Participants include:
- Sister Alessandra Smerilli, secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development,
- Reverend David Coleman, environmental chaplain of Eco-Congregation Scotland,
- Reverend Rachel Mash of the Green Anglicans,
- Reverend Pumla Nzimande, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa
- Reverend Sally Azar, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
- Suzana Moreira, Co-Chair of the Season of Creation Ecumenical Steering Committee, Laudato Si’ Movement
- Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
- Most Reverend Marinez Bassotto, Archbishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Amazon and Primate Bishop of the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil
- Bishop Anba Thomas, of the Coptic Orthodox Church
