Reverencing & Restoration: Caring for Earth

FIRST SUNDAY

INTRODUCTION

In a collaborative effort with the staff of the Catholic Institute of Education in South Africa, we offer this resource as a compliment to the inserts prepared on the theme of Caring for Creation and Catholic Social Justice values.

This reflection guide contains separate reflections on the scripture readings for each of the five Sundays of Lent. Each reflection includes questions for reflection or discussion. The reflections focus on the issue of environmental justice. We are in a critical moment as the human family on planet Earth, and we need to reflect on how we relate in thought, word and deed to the Creation of which we are an integral part. We need a change of heart in order to realize deeply that "the fundamental relation between humanity and nature is one of caring for creation."1 That this is a key perspective of Christian faith is pointed out by Pope John Paul II: "Christians, in particular, realize that their responsibility within creation and their duty towards nature and the Creator are an essential part of their faith." 2

A printable PDF document of each week's reflection is available for download.

February 13, 2005 - Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7, Psalm 51, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11

Fashioned of dust, we belong to Earth; breathed with God's life, we have a destiny buried deep in the Heart of Mystery. We began in the garden of innocence; we have tasted the fruit of the tree; we journey in joy and suffering towards the garden of glory built up of our graced experience.

We do not journey alone. In solidarity with Christ, we carry the burden that will be lifted up. All human beings, all beings, the whole Universe groan in labor pains [Rom 8:22]. But where there is the death of enduring labor pains, there is also hope: we look forward to the birth of the child, the "new heaven and the new earth" [Rev 21:1].

Matthew reminds us that the journey is a struggle and a time of testing to sort the worthless from what is of enduring value. Always searching for the quick and easy answer leads to our loss of freedom. We have become enslaved in many ways to technology, as we try to turn stones into bread, and throw ourselves down from dizzy heights in defiance of nature. We even do not stop short at bowing down to worship our own creations.

For our journey to the garden of glory to be successful, we need to develop a new attitude, and a new praxis. The Psalmist prays, and so should we, for 'a pure heart', always well-intended; 'a steadfast spirit', willing to persevere through the pains of labor; 'a spirit of fervor', able to ignite hope and energy in others with whom we walk.

• In what ways do I affirm or negate my solidarity with the rest of creation?
• In what ways do creatures other than human beings lighten the burden I carry from day to day?
• In what ways does technology enhance my freedom; in what ways does it enslave me?
  

1 US Catholic Bishops.1991. Renewing the Earth
2John Paul II.1990. Peace With God The Creator, Peace With All Of Creation: Message for the World Day of Peace.

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Last updated February 11, 2005
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