Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Environment Sunday
Psalm 19
“The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (v. 1)
“The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (v. 1)
Environmental meditation simply put, is using the different elements of our environment as objects of meditation for the transformation of our consciousness and moves us into a state of balanced communion with the environment and its Creator.
Our Lord is the originator of all creation. He has made a world full of beauty, an infinite expression of His glory and love for all. Let us not forget our responsibility to the gift we have been given, that we may continue to act as guardians and stewards of all His creation, and not as owners who do as they please. We should feel with awe and wonder today and each day as we behold His infinite creativity. We should have the courage and strength to view and engage our environment as the sacred space it is, and to work and protect it from corruption and exploitation (Genesis 2:15).
Let us view all our Lord has created with reverence and admiration, that we may be reminded of His constant presence in our midst. As we walk each day, let each one of us remember all those who have come before and walked these same lands. We must not forget the fact that what we have been given is not only for us alone, but for the generations to come.
Pope Francis said, “I would like to offer Christians a few suggestions for an ecological spirituality grounded in the convictions of our faith, since the teachings of the Gospel have direct consequences for our way of thinking, feeling, and living. More than in ideas or concepts as such, I’m interested in how such a spirituality can motivate us to a more passionate concern for the protection of our world.”
Our Bible lesson, Psalm 19, considers the glory of God in creation, and moves to reflect on the character and the law of the Lord. The law teaches God’s principles so we can be shaped continually by them to live according to His pattern. Obedience to God’s law is a way of having communion with Him. When we allow God’s Word to have its effects on us, we will be invigorated by His strength and refreshed with His wisdom.
Our Lord is the originator of all creation. He has made a world full of beauty, an infinite expression of His glory and love for all. Let us not forget our responsibility to the gift we have been given, that we may continue to act as guardians and stewards of all His creation, and not as owners who do as they please. We should feel with awe and wonder today and each day as we behold His infinite creativity. We should have the courage and strength to view and engage our environment as the sacred space it is, and to work and protect it from corruption and exploitation (Genesis 2:15).
Let us view all our Lord has created with reverence and admiration, that we may be reminded of His constant presence in our midst. As we walk each day, let each one of us remember all those who have come before and walked these same lands. We must not forget the fact that what we have been given is not only for us alone, but for the generations to come.
Pope Francis said, “I would like to offer Christians a few suggestions for an ecological spirituality grounded in the convictions of our faith, since the teachings of the Gospel have direct consequences for our way of thinking, feeling, and living. More than in ideas or concepts as such, I’m interested in how such a spirituality can motivate us to a more passionate concern for the protection of our world.”
Our Bible lesson, Psalm 19, considers the glory of God in creation, and moves to reflect on the character and the law of the Lord. The law teaches God’s principles so we can be shaped continually by them to live according to His pattern. Obedience to God’s law is a way of having communion with Him. When we allow God’s Word to have its effects on us, we will be invigorated by His strength and refreshed with His wisdom.
Prayer
God of creation, who loves all He has made, open our eyes, that Your love might be reflected in our care for the planet. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior, who walked this earth and calls us by name. Amen.
Thought of the day
The responsibility of each one of us is about leaving the world a better place than we found it.
Daniel Thomas
Orlando MTC, Florida
Orlando MTC, Florida