“Be glad, earth and sky! Roar, sea, and every creature in you;
Be glad, fields, and everything in you!
The trees of the wood will shout for joy when the Lord comes to rule the earth.
He will rule the peoples of the world with justice and fairness.”
Psalm 96:11-13
Today we continue our preparation for the actions of the Carbon Fast. Take time today to reflect on all the living creatures that rely on the Earth to survive. Start with the ones in your neighbourhood , then your country, your continent and the world. Picture the ones that are threatened and those that are already extinct.
Our planet faces a life threatening disease. Each day we lose valuable parts of our biosphere as species become extinct and ecosystems destroyed – yet where is there funeral service. Honoring our pain for the world is a way of valuing our awareness, first that we have noticed nd second that we care we needs to digest the bad news, that is what rouses us to respond
Psychologists help us to understand that the task of grieving means to first accept the loss and second feel the pain of grief. When we feel this emotion, we know not only that the loss is real but also that it matters to us. This is the “digestion” phase – where the awareness sinks to a deeper place within us so that we take in what it means.
Now take a piece of paper and draw a picture or sketch of those animals, plants or parts of the web of life who are threatened. Sit in silence and hear the cry of the Earth.
Joanna Macy
And now say this prayer
This we know: the earth does not belong to us.
The earth is the Lord’s and so are all its people
This we know: we did not weave the web of life.
The earth is the Lord’s and so is all that breathes on it.
This we know: we are called to till and work the earth.
The earth is the Lord’s and so are all who work the land.
This we know: that we are called to take care of creation.
The earth is the Lord’s yet we have polluted and abused it.
This we know; that whatever befalls the earth
Befalls the sons and daughters of the earth
This we know: that the earth is the Lord’s
And so we will serve Him in it
Amen
Bishop Eric Pike: Port Elizabeth
As a practical response to the pain of the Earth , give thanks for the fish in the sea and for the oceans that sustain them.
As a traditional food during Lent, fish is healthy. The production of fish creates a quarter as many carbon emissions as red meat. So, it is good for your family and for the world! Make this a Lenten habit—Fish on Friday – but make sure to eat only sustainable fish.