May God who established the dance of creation, Who marveled at the lilies of the field, Who transforms chaos to order, Lead us to transform our lives and the Church To listen to the voice of all creatures, That reflect God’s glory in creation./Que Dios, que estableció la danza de la Creación, que se maravilló con los lirios del campo, que transforma el caos en orden, nos guíe para transformar nuestras vidas y la Iglesia, a escuchar la voz de todas las criaturas que reflejan la gloria de Dios en la Creación. - from Seasons of Creation Guidebook 2022, adapted from the CTBI Eco-Congregation Programme
In 2015 Pope Francis made September 1st the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This also begins the Season of Creation which goes until October 4th, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the ecology.
Caring for creation can transform us as well as transform our environment. To be transformed we need to listen, both actively and interiorly. In the Seasons of Creation Celebration Guide it uses Psalm 19 to show how, if we listen, we will see how all of creation is connected; as St. Augustine writes, “[Creation] is the divine page that you must listen to; it is the book of the universe that you must observe. The pages of Scripture can only be read by those who know how to read and write, while everyone, even the illiterate, can read the book of the universe.”
The guidebook goes on to say how the Psalmist who declares that creation proclaims God’s handiwork also knows that the book of Scripture perfectly revives the soul, makes the simple wise, rejoices the heart, and enlightens the eyes. Through quiet listening and caring for our planet we limit the impact on the earth. In doing this we can be transformed by the natural beauty around us. As Martin Luther wrote, “God has written [the gospel] not only in books, but also in trees and other creatures.”
Showcasing SHA talent: Update on the dinosaurs from last week. They do get transformed but in the end it turns out bad as Aayden from 8th tells us.
God bless,
Mrs. Alhadef
Campus Minister
4th Grade Aide
Jr. High ELA Aide