“Listen to the voice of creation” is the theme and invitation of this year’s Season of Creation. The ecumenical phase begins on 1 September with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and concludes on 4 October with the feast of Saint Francis. It is a special time for all Christians to pray and work together to care for our common home. The symbol of this season is the burning bush from Exodus 3:1-12. The fire that called to Moses as he tended the flock on Mt. Horeb did not consume or destroy the bush. This was a flame of the Spirit that revealed God’s life sustaining presence. This holy fire affirmed that God heard the cries of all who suffered and promised to be with us as we followed faithfully to deliverance from injustice.
During this time we are encouraged to consider our relationship with God, each other, and the Earth, with particular concern for the stewardship of creation and the cry of the poor, whose ability to work sustainably with the land is often affected by the adverse effects of climate change, Similarly, our prayer and action can help us listen for the voices of those who are silenced. Communities of worship can amplify the voices of young people, Indigenous people, women and affected communities who are not heard in society. Through liturgies, public prayers, symbolic acts and advocacy, we can remember those who are displaced or have disappeared from public spaces and political processes.