The Season of Creation is a designated period during which ecumenical and interfaith communities unite in prayer and action to safeguard the environment and honor God’s creation. This movement, which began in 1989, takes place from September 1 to October 4, coinciding with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.
During this season, individuals are invited to engage in prayer, worship, reflection, and initiatives aimed at caring for the planet. It is a moment to strengthen our connection with the Creator and all creation through respect, love, and proactive measures to protect our common home.
This year’s theme is “to hope and act with creation.” It highlights the biblical imagery of Earth as a mother in pain, representing the distress caused by various human-made crises fueled by greed, pride, and a thirst for power. The Season of Creation encourages communities to act locally and hope for positive change, despite the global challenges facing our environment.
The role of humanity in protecting creation is to reflect God’s character and nurture the environment, ensuring it can continue to provide for all living beings now and in the future. The focus on this season is to cultivate gratitude and admiration for creation, recognizing it as a key aspect of God’s self-revelation.
Hope, symbolized by the first fruits, serves as an essential tool for overcoming despair and striving for new life amid difficulties. Genuine hope is active and requires collective efforts aimed at fostering a sustainable future for the Earth.
In a biblical context, hope is about actively working towards improvement, not passively waiting for change. It challenges humanity to rethink its relationship with nature, urging a transition from treating the Earth as a mere resource to viewing it as a vital part of our cosmic family.
Actions born from hope manifest in various forms, such as advocacy for environmental justice and educational initiatives promoting sustainable practices within communities. Listening to the voices of those affected by climate change and engaging with the natural world are vital steps towards a healthier future.
As issues like resource scarcity lead to conflict and injustice, the call to hope and act becomes even more urgent. This Season of Creation invites us to reflect on the groans of our planet and commit to transformative action that prioritizes care for the environment and marginalized communities.