Welcome to a reflection on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation! This special day, observed on September 1, marks a time for the Church to come together and celebrate the glorious gift of creation bestowed upon us by God.
Reflections by Bishop Allwyn D’Silva
The World Day of Prayer for Creation, with its roots in the traditions of the Eastern Church, serves as a dual purpose. It invites us to acknowledge and marvel at God’s act of creation and encourages us to introspect on our role as stewards of this precious gift.
Creation forms the very foundation of our faith. The Scriptures commence with the awe-inspiring account of God bringing light and life into a barren void. Every being, every flower, every aspect of life around us originates from this divine act of creation. Pope Francis beautifully reminds us that the universe itself is a testament to God’s boundless love (Laudato si’, 84).
As custodians of this planet created in God’s likeness, we were entrusted with the role of guardians of His creation. Pope Benedict XVI eloquently points out that the Earth, with its intrinsic order, is a precious gift guiding us in our stewardship.
On this World Day of Prayer for Creation, as we ponder over our responsibilities as caretakers, we are faced with a stark reality: we have fallen short. Look at Mumbai, a bustling megacity of 21 million souls wedged between mountains and the sea, grappling with unprecedented climate challenges.
Extreme heat waves, rising temperatures, frequent monsoons, and unchecked urban expansion present a grim picture of how neglecting our environment is placing lives at risk. The poor, already burdened by socio-economic challenges, bear the brunt of these environmental catastrophes.
As the Season of Creation unfolds, let us use this day of prayer as a catalyst for change. May we come together not just in words but in actions, to protect and nurture this wondrous gift of creation. Let us unite in reverence for our Creator and His masterpiece.
Join us in this collective journey of care and preservation, as we honor the sacred bond between humanity and the natural world during this season of reflection and action.
