The Season of Creation
Introduction to the Season of Creation
(1 September – 4 October)
The Season of Creation is a global ecumenical season which runs from the World Day of Prayer for Creation (1 September) to the Feast of St Francis of Assisi (4 October). During this Season, Christians are invited to think more deeply about what is happening to the earth, the environmental destruction that now threatens our world, and the call to ‘eco-conversion’. This Season offers all of us a unique opportunity to renew our vocation to care more deeply for God’s creation, our common home (cf. Genesis 2:15).
In 2015 Pope Francis published his groundbreaking encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si – On Care for Our Common Home. In it he calls on all people of the world to enter into dialogue about what is happening to our planet, urging us to listen to both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. He invites us to ‘become painfully aware’ of the extent of this crisis, and to engage in the conversation that is needed to protect our common home. Pope Francis urges us to really listen to the cry of the earth, to listen to the science and to listen to young people who ‘demand change’ (Laudato Si’, §13).
The Living Planet Report, a comprehensive study of trends in global biodiversity and the health of the planet, confirms that we are now living in the sixth largest extinction of life of this planet since life began 3.8 billion years ago. Wildlife populations have declined by 69 percent since the 1970s due to human activity, 8 million pieces of plastic enter our oceans every day, and with climate change now affecting every region of our world, there is no doubt that we are living in the midst of ecological chaos. Pope Francis describes the roots of the environmental crisis as deeply spiritual, therefore faith communities have a vital role to play in inspiring an ecological conversion amongst believers and the wider community. The Book of Creation itself is a ‘magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness … whose letters are the multitude of created things present in the universe. We read in Laudato Si that all species, all of creation, has intrinsic worth and gives glory to God through its very existence. The first commandment we were ever given was to protect creation ‘to till and to keep the garden of the Lord’ (cf. Genesis 2:15). And so, within Ordinary Time, the Season of Creation gives us an opportunity to come together to reflect, to reconnect and to renew our relationship with God’s creation.
In light of the urgent ecological crisis our world is facing and the celebration of the Season of Creation in our Liturgical Calendar, the reflections for the next five Sundays will focus on this theme, as well as paying attention to the Gospel of the day. Christians are invited to embrace this Season wholeheartedly. Through prayer, particularly in our liturgies, in reflection, in living more sustainably and in raising our voices for God’s creation. In the Year of Mark 2024, the first Sunday of the Season of Creation falls on the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. However, this may vary in subsequent Years of Mark. For example, in 2027, it falls on the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
‘I wish to address every person living on this planet … I urgently appeal for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concerns and affect us all’ (Laudato Si’, §3:14).
© Triona Doherty & Jane Mellet, 2023. The Deep End: A Journey with the Sunday Gospels in the Year of Mark. (Dublin: Messenger Publications 2023).
Lectio Divina with Nature
‘Contemplation is the antidote against misuse of our common home…. Those who contemplate in this way experience wonder not only at what they see, but also because they feel they are an integral part of this beauty; and they also feel called to guard it and to protect it.’ – Pope Francis
In Laudato Si’ we read that ‘Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness’ (Laudato Si’, §12). It is a reminder to us that while we encounter God in the Book of the Word, we also encounter God in the Book of Nature. The practice of Lectio with Nature might seem strange to us, but it is a practice rooted in the mystical tradition of the Church and most notably in the life of St Francis of Assisi. No doubt, since human beings have walked on this earth, we have been contemplating God’s presence in nature. We see this most notably in the Psalms:
‘O Lord how manifold are your works!’
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.’ (Psalm 104:24)
At various times throughout the Year of Mark, and especially during this Season of Creation, we suggest this practice of Lectio Divina with Nature so that we may hear God’s Word as spoken to us through creation, in order to love God more deeply (Romans 1:19-20). We embrace the one who calls us out of darkness and into her own wonderful light. We may find that this in turn rekindles in us a sense of awe and wonder for our world and a desire to care more deeply for our common home. We are called at this moment in history to listen to the cry of the earth, to hear what God is saying to us now through the Book of Creation.
‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ (Mark 6:31)
- Lectio (Reading): When we read a story, we attend to the words, and the characters, and the place, and things unfold. When we read nature we attend to the elements by going outside on a walk, sitting in a garden or even in our own home, with a plant. Take time to ‘read’ creation by looking around, slowly taking in what is around you. At first, sense the overview rather than the details. Then, begin to notice the different colours, shapes, smells, textures. Evoke the senses. What do you see, hear, touch, smell? Notice if something attracts your attention, and allow yourself to linger there, taking more time so savour this particular element. What plant or leaf captivates you? What colour or scent or shape draws you in? Allow yourself to be present to what is there. Embrace wonder. What word or phrase arises? We repeat this word or phrase silently, like a mantra. In a group setting, people can be invited to speak this word aloud, without commenting on it.
- Meditatio (Reflecting): Imagine the process that led to this plant or creature’s existence; again sense the overview of the wider ecosystem. Become aware of yourself not as an observer but as a participant, deeply embedded in this web of life. A feeling, thought or idea may arise for you; take this into deeper contemplation. Listen attentively. Be open to what God is saying to you through creation.
- Oratio (Prayer): We are moved to respond to God’s presence in creation – in flora, fauna or in the elements themselves, the way the air is, the way the water is, the light, the sea, the surf, the sky, a cloud. Speak to God, perhaps giving thanks for the beauty of this creation, then allow yourself to listen. After some time, words and thoughts melt away. Allow yourself to rest in God’s presence.
When you are ready to close your time of prayer, find a way to give thanks: silently offer a prayer of gratitude, make a gesture of gratitude (the sign of the cross, a deep bow). You might say:
‘May all beings be well; May all beings be free from harm; May all beings live in peace and harmony.’
‘The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains, everything is as it were, a caress of God’ (Laudato Si’, §84).
‘I ask you to join with me in reading our world – “Book of Nature”, as the ancients called it. Alongside the Book of Nature, I also ask you to join me in reading the Scriptures, the Word of God – the other great Book of our faith – in a quest for insight, inspiration and strength so as to live in a new way on this earth, our common home. Nothing less is called for. The earth cries out to us.’ Archbishop Dermot Farrell