Gathering Prayer:
God of unchangeable power, when you fashioned the world, the morning stars sang together and the host of heaven shouted for joy: Open our souls to the wonders of creation and teach us to manage faithfully the riches of this good earth, to the honor of your glorious name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of Union with Creation:
I. Holy God, we praise you with all your creatures. They came forth from your all-powerful hand; they are yours,
filled with your presence and your tender love. Praise be to you!
II. Jesus the Christ, through you all things were made. You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother, you became part of this earth, and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature in your risen glory. Praise be to you!
I. Holy Spirit, by your light you guide this world toward God’s love
and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts and you inspire us to do what is good. Praise be to you!
II. Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of the universe, all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness for every being that you have made. Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined to everything that is.
I. God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live.
II. The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kindom of justice, peace, love and beauty. Praise be to you!
First Reading:
“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
Second Reading:
Our mistreatment of the natural world diminishes our own dignity and sacredness, not
only because we are destroying resources that future generations of humans need, but
because we are engaging in actions that contradict what it means to be human. Our tradition calls us to protect the life and dignity of the human person, and it is increasingly clear that this task cannot be separated from the care and defense of all of creation.
(Renewing the Earth: An Invitation to Reflection and Action on Environment in Light of Catholic Social Teaching, 1991)
Quiet Sitting and Sharing:
How are you called to be in sacred relationship with Earth, God’s creation?
In what ways can you be salt of the earth during this campaign period?
What is the message you have to share about care of creation?
Naming Our Needs
Closing Prayer: Creator God, open our hearts to the wonder and preciousness of your world. Help us to see its true value and to be good stewards of creation. Redeeming Christ, change our attitudes and priorities; be with us as we strive to follow your example. Sustaining Spirit, support and strengthen us when we campaign for a greener world and a try and live a gentler, more sustainable lifestyle. Transform us Triune God and lead us into action. Amen
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