Dear All,
You will, I’m sure, be aware that at this time, (31 October – 12 November), COP 26 is taking place in Glasgow. Our reflections today are around that theme – Climate Change. One of them is a bit different from our usual ones, in that it makes some statements & asks some questions. There is also a prayer from ‘Laudato Si’, the Pope’s document on the environment – the whole of that document is on the web if you haven’t got a copy, & is well worth giving time to. Its sub title is ‘Care for our Common Home’.
Let us pray that we can find practical ways of being part of the movement to save God’s planet. Our blessing this week is Rutter’s ‘Clare Benediction’ so perhaps we can pray it for all those meeting in Glasgow at this time & for the success of their work.
With our love
Creator God, this earth is miraculous and beautiful. Forgive our confusion and inaction as we confront the challenges of climate change. In the light of your truth, seen so clearly in the life and teaching of Jesus, help us to re-examine ourselves and our lifestyle choices and see clearly the implications of how we live on all that sustains life on this earth. May we follow your leading in caring for every aspect of this precious world, which you made and love.
We pray for world leaders to agree radical actions in Glasgow this November that will help protect our world from the impact of global heating for future generations.
Throughout history you have moved people to do amazing things for the sake of their neighbours. Inspire us now to work together, as your people, to change priorities in the way we live, so that we build a fair and safe world for all your creation; a world where your will is done as it is in heaven. Amen
From Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
Resurrection
Father of Creation, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we know that when your Son entered Jerusalem, he wept. He wept because he knew what would befall it.
Father of Creation, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we look at this world of yours, this world of ours, we weep. We weep because we know what has befallen it. Your Son dreamed a dream of a different kingdom, an alternative reality for an alternative community. And then he demonstrated what this looked like by healing the sick, welcoming the outcast, overturning tables of injustice, and living a life, and dying a death, of self-giving sacrificial love.
Father of Creation, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, may we too dream a dream of a different kingdom, May we too be resurrection people, who demonstrate that violence, evil and destruction will not have the last word. To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be all praise, honour and glory. Amen
Revd Jon Swales
Walk lightly
Each leaf, each petal,
each grain, each person,
sings your praises,
Creator God.
Each creature on the earth,
all the mountains and great seas
show your glory,
Spirit of love.
And yet the hand of greed
has patented and plundered
your splendour,
has taken and not shared
your gift,
has lived as owner of the earth,
not guest.
And so
the ice is cracked
the rivers dry,
the valleys flooded
and the snowcaps melt.
God our Father, show us
how to step gently,
how to live simply,
how to walk lightly
with respect and love
for all that you have made.
Amen
Linda Jones/CAFOD