In the spirit of renewal and responsibility, the theme for the 2024 Season of Creation resonates with a powerful call to action: “To hope and act with Creation.” This message encapsulates the essence of our collective duty towards the environment and the urgent need to foster hope in the face of ecological challenges.
The season starts 1 September, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and ends 4 October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations.
In his letter to the Romans, Paul pictured the earth as a mother, groaning in childbirth [Rom 8:22], later echoed by Francis of Assisi when he referred to the Earth as our Sister and Mother in his Canticle of Creatures. Yet, in modern times, our relationship to the Earth is of subjection and exploitation, rather than nurturing and respect.
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.
As stewards of this planet, the call to hope is a beacon guiding us towards a future of sustainability, balance, and harmony with nature. It invites us to envision a world where the beauty of Creation is preserved for generations to come, where ecosystems flourish, and where every living being finds its place in the delicate web of life.
More information about the theological reflections that guide the 2024 theme and symbols is available here.