The “Preparation” stage for Season of Creation this year begins in February. God is calling us to prepare in different ways in our diverse contexts. To celebrate the Season ecumenically we are invited to reach out to other ecumenical leaders and call our communities to discern how to listen to and respond to the cry of Creation, together. The “Preparation” stage is key for the Season of Creation, creating bonds and relationships, renewing the joy of meeting and embracing each other, and cultivating the gifts of communion and peace as the People of God together with our common home.

The biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth “Rom 8:22”. Saint 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. 

“Creation is groaning” “Rom 8:22” because of our selfishness and our unsustainable actions that harm her. Along with our Sister, Mother Earth, creatures of all kinds, including humans, cry out because of our destructive actions causing climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, and human suffering as well as Creation’s suffering.

And yet Creation teaches us that hope is present in the waiting, in the expectation for a better future (cf. Rom 8:20-21). To hope in biblical context does not mean standing still and quiet, but rather groaning, crying, and actively striving for new life amidst the struggles. Creation and all of us are called to worship the Creator, working together for a future of active hope and action. 

Only when we work together with Creation can the firstfruits of hope be born. Just as in childbirth, we go through a period of intense pain, but new life is coming forth.

We hope that this Season of Creation renews and unites us by the one baptism and call to care for our common home. We invite you to plan and prepare your own participation in this celebration.