22 April 2020 - Wednesday of the 2nd week of the Easter season - John 3:16-21

Today, we hear the familiar verse of John 3:16 - “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son.”  I thought immediately of Divine Mercy Sunday, which we just celebrated last Sunday.  Out of God’s love for us, we are called to show love and care for God’s creation as well.  Today, April 22, is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. To me, the spirit of Earth Day should be aligned to the spirit of God's love and mercy.   Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin had the original inspiration to start Earth Day back in 1970.   Unfortunately, like a lot of things, it perhaps is a day that has been politicized too much.  But, indeed, we in our faith, in the spirit of St Francis of Assisi and many recent popes, including Pope Francis, are called to look at the ways we as individuals and as a society take care of God’s creation.  I would like to read a prayer that I have adapted from the Sisters of Mercy and the Catholic Health Association in honor of earth day: 

We are called to see ourselves and each other as earthen vessels created by God.  As earthen vessels, we bring and care for God’s gift in the world.  Our world is indeed fragile and in need of our love, support, and attentiveness.  May our hands align with God in caring for his creation here on earth.  Let us pray for: 
Trees, plants, crops, and forests.  
Rivers, Oceans, streams, and ponds. 
Air, wind, climate, and weather.
Sun, clean energy, and prevention of global warming. 
Animals, especially those that are endangered. 
All humankind.  
Recycling and prudent and moderate personal consumption. 
Proper use of chemical and disposal of toxic waste. 
The earth and unity.  

Creator God, we thank you for all of creation.We ask your forgiveness where we have failed to be just stewards. We ask for your guidance in restoring the face of the earth. May we learn to live in harmony, safety and the just sharing of resources among all so that we may achieve the kingdom of God.  Peace be to this community. Peace be to this land. Peace be to all people. Amen.