September 1. DAY OF PRAYER FOR CREATION. SEASON OF CREATION 2021 THEME: A HOME FOR ALL? RENEWING THE OIKOS OF GOD. 

Firstly, HAPPY SPRING DAY TO US, COUPLES AND FAMILIES! By focusing the theme on the concept of oikos, we hope to lift up the integral nature of the many relationships that hold the web of life together.   Within the whole inhabited Earth (oikoumene) the Church (oikoumene) calls all households and societies (oikos) to turn our political, social and economic systems (oikonomia) towards just, sustainable economies of life, which respect the limits and lifegiving ecological boundaries (oikologia) of our common home.   The recommended logo is Abrahams’ tent, reminding us of Abrahams’ hospitality to his divine visitors. (From Season of Creation 2021)  

A family home, whether following the ideal of marriage or not, needs to be valued and protected for those who live there, even for the wider society and the common good. The same applies to the world, our common home. No one has the right to degrade, abuse, steal from, or destroy what belongs to the common human family. We are stewards and guardians of the environment, of plants and of animals, of the soil the air and water.

I am like a growing olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.  Ps 52.  

Pope Francis stresses the need for Ecological Education and Ecological Spirituality in Laudato Si.  St Francis reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. Praise be to you, my Lord! LS1 “We do not inherit the world from our ancestors but borrow it from our children.” Justice demands that we preserve it for them and other future generations.  We not only exist by God’s mighty power, we also live with him and beside him, This is why we adore him. LS  72.  

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:  As this is a World Day of Prayer check the media for any significant climate related events anywhere in the world, e.g. flood, drought, fire, hurricane, cold, heat, etc.  Offer a prayer in union with those affected.   Pray the Glory be to the Father ……………  prayer