Creation – SSJE

"Francis modeled for us a kinship with all created things and vehemently challenged our notion of ourselves as owners with license to use its resources in whatever way we wish." Br. David Vryhof remembers Saint Francis of Assisi as a model for us to live simply, to honor and love the earth and all its creatures, to forsake the pursuit of material wealth, and to recognize our kinship with all that God has made.

As the dignity of creation is renewed and restored here at this altar, when creation itself becomes the Body and Blood of Christ, we have the opportunity once again to choose life, that we may live. Br. James Koester urges us to approach a new industrial revolution in a way to restore our fellowship with creation and help us to see creation again as the sign and sacrament of God’s very being.

“How wide can one human heart be opened to the life of God?” A provocative question leads Br. Keith Nelson into the heart of God and the mysteries of our universe.

“Who among us has not watched the sky, golden with the praises of a sunset, or blackened by a threatening storm, and not thought silently, it is the Lord? Who has not been saddened at the first sign of autumn, and whose heart has not rejoiced when the first robin of spring is spotted. It is the Lord. As we watch creation die and renew itself day by day, century by century, eon by eon, humanity has seen in it a revelation of the Divine, who makes all things new. We see this same revelation of the Divine, as creation is renewed today, upon the altar. ” Br. James Koester finds cause for hope in the renewal of all creation, our world, our nation, and our selves.

“Looking to the heavens, I imagine that these sparkling nebulae, which we can barely see, are asking for attention. Seeking our attention. I imagine these celestial creations want to be noticed, they as much as the star of Bethlehem. These mysterious galaxies surrounding us are fellow creatures of God, and they may help give focus for us in this season of Advent.” Br. Curtis Almquist invites us to open our hearts for more room for this world, the vast configuration of God's creation.

“We are blessed to be a blessing. What does that look like? Praying. Interceding for the earth and all peoples with loving solidarity. Relinquishing. Consider what personal, familial, and communal practices are sharing in destruction and what builds up the whole created community?” Br. Luke Ditewig reminds us how we are blessed by God and urges us to act to be a blessing to our world.

“God is here with and for you. As before, God will hold as on eagles’ wings. God will “bear your spirit up and brace your heart and nerve your arm.” Let go, like a leaf falling into the divine wind.” As autumn arrives, Br. Luke Ditewig invites us to fall into following Jesus.

“Today, as we keep an Ember Day, might be an invitation for us to pray, and even fast, in solidarity with those whose livelihoods, and very life itself, are threatened as climate change alters agricultural cycles around the world. Today, as we pray for the ministry of the church, might be an invitation to pray for the healing of the cycles of nature, and our role in that healing, and ways in which the Church might aid in that healing.” Br. James Koester connects the church's observance of an "Ember day" with the historic – and contemporary – practice of keeping a fast.

“Looking into the face of the Navajo Jesus, whose face was all around me, I learned like never before to listen from a place of crucified helplessness. I learned afresh to stay put at the foot of the cross wherever I found it in people and circumstances, and not to turn away. I was shown by Navajo Christians how this could be, and is, the place of Resurrection. I was shown that, even in the desolation of the abandoned uranium mine, the earth herself turns her face to us and listens.” Br. Keith Nelson reckons with the painful legacies of ecological devastation and colonialization that he encountered first-hand in Navajoland this summer, and urges us to join him in a recognition of our sins and an engagement with deep listening to help heal the wounds of generations.