ZEAL OF CREATION
“Never say there is nothing beautiful in the world anymore. There is always something to make you wonder in the shape of a tree, the trembling of a leaf.” – Albert Schweitzer
“Peace, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected themes, which cannot be separated and treated individually without once again falling into reductionism”. (Pope Francis, LS #92)
Jesus lived in full harmony with creation, and others were amazed: “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” (Mt 8:27). (Pope Francis, LS #98)
“You must not defile the land you live in, the land in which I live.” (Numbers 35:34a, Christian Community Bible)
REFLECTION: The human persons were created by God for a purpose; to live in the loving relationship with Him in this life, to take good care of creation, to maintain and sustain the dignity of creation. The zeal of Creation is intact when humans truly commit themselves to make this world a conducive place to live in. It is in this light that the mission of humans is to enjoy and to care for His creations. This zeal of creation manifests the power and harmony of creation. This same zeal holds the key on how to model our present and future life in relation with the whole creation. It is also a pattern how we lead and live our lives. Ultimately, the zeal of creation is an expression and experience of love itself.
Key Statement: The zeal of creation is an expression and experience of love itself.
Personal Challenge: I am to look at the greatness of God’s life and love through His creation.
PRAYER
God of joy, we thank You for giving us the chance to live a wonderful life. Thank You for giving us also the opportunity to be in solidarity with those who shape Your kingdom here on earth. May we always remember that the zeal of Your creation is the blueprint of Your loving kindness to us. Touch our hearts to be more caring and loving. May we speak always of the majesty of Your creation and walk the path that leads us to reconciliation with humanity and with the rest of Your creation. Amen
A PRAYER FOR OUR EARTH
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
A CHRISTIAN PRAYER IN UNION WITH CREATION
Father, we praise you with all your creatures. They came forth from your all-powerful hand; they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love. Praise be to you! Son of God, Jesus, through you all things were made. You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother, you became part of this earth, and you gazed upon this world with human eyes. Today you are alive in every creature in your risen glory. Praise be to you! Holy Spirit, by your light you guide this world towards the Father’s love and accompany creation as it groans in travail. You also dwell in our hearts and you inspire us to do what is good. Praise be to you!
ROMANO M. BULATAO is a Professor at Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio City. He completed his AB Philosophy in 1990 at the Saint Anthony Mary Claret College (SAMCC), Quezon City; MA Religious Studies in 2003, and MA Philosophy in 2014, both in SLU; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology, Major in Missiology, at the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA) – SAMCC in 2021. Mr. Bulatao served as the Department Head of Religion at SLU (2006-2009); and President of the Kapatirang Claretiano Inc. – Pangasinan Chapter (KCI-PC), since 2011. He is the author of the book entitled Touching Thoughts A-Z published in 2009; translator of the Novena to Saint Anthony Mary Claret (from Pangasinan language to English) published in 2015; and the Novena kay San Antonio Maria Claret (from Pangasinan language to Filipino) published in 2020 by the Claretian Publications. ((romanobulatao@yahoo.com)
