The annual event of Season of Creation began September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology. Each year an ecumenical steering committee selects a theme.  This year’s theme is “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol is “The first fruits of hope,” inspired by Romans 8:19-25.
An introductory video and resources to observe this season at home, church and school may be found at the following links:
RESOURCES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12M3weSD4D2mvjCiI3Mxen3JQZ5Rrazz3/view

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLI5cT-56Yk

In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:22). Francis of Assisi understood this when he referred to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures. The times we live in show that we are not relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used.

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.