Prophet Amos cries out: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24) and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity.
The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation. The Season of Creation begins on September 1st, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends on October 4th, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The Season of Non-Violence beginning on September 21st, the International Day for World Peace, and endings on October 2nd , the Feast of the Guardian Angels is a time for each of to reduce violence and create a more peaceful world.
I wondered about the connection of these two seasons, one creation, the other non-violence until I remembered that our planet and her people have often been treated with great violence. In Laudato S, Pope Francis has called us to an integral ecology, a recognition that all these issues of justice are connected, and he urges us to hear and understand that the cry of those who are poor, and the cry of the earth is one call. “‘Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation.”
As the people of God, we must work together on behalf of all Creation, as part of that mighty river of peace and justice.
– Sister Eileen Gannon, OP
Sister Eileen serves as the Justice Promoter
for the Sparkill Dominicans