Listen to the voice of creation
By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
The only commandment I ever obeyed – ‘Consider the Lilies.’
Emily Dickinson
The Bible points to the beauty and revelation of God within the creation that is all around us. The Psalmist writes, “The heavens keep telling the wonders of God and the skies declare what God has done” (Psalm 19:1).
In many ways, nature is like a book that we read where we see God at work. Jesus knew this and used images from nature to teach spiritual truths. Jesus pointed to the birds in the sky and the lilies in the field to teach about God’s provision for all creatures (Matthew 6:25-34).
Each year, Christians around the world mark the Season of Creation from 1st September to 4th October. As residents of the southern hemisphere, the Season of Creation aligns with the joy and beauty of Spring, making it extra meaningful.
This year the theme is Listen to the Voice of Creation. As this video shows, part of the listening is to the suffering of people, fellow creatures and the land and water, as well as listening to the beauty and wisdom that is communicated through creation. We remember the people of Pakistan and pray and act for their recovery after mass flooding.
The image used for the Season of Creation 2022 is the appearance of God to Moses through a bush that was on fire but not burning. In this poignant encounter between God and Moses, God reveals he has heard the cries of the people who are suffering under a tyrant’s rule in Egypt and is sending Moses to liberate the people. Rather than consuming the bush, the divine flame reveals God’s life-sustaining presence (Exodus 3).
Year 12 student Charly Snare has created an artwork titled Ignite For New Life. Charly explores the paradox of fire which can consume and sustain life:
Ignite For New Life is inspired by the inherent duality between the beauty and necessity of fire. Fire is most often portrayed as harsh and dangerous, yet its healing properties in relation to our Australian ecosystem are essential and should be discussed more often. The Waratah flower was chosen as it is a native Australian plant, and its petals loosely resemble the colour and patterns of flames.
Fire is a very important aspect of the Australian ecosystem in particular, as cultural burns have been used for thousands of years by Aboriginal peoples across the country. The low intensity burning of the bush floor helps to prevent larger, more damaging fires from occurring and additionally promotes new growth. Ignite for New Life explores this cultural significance of fire and its beauty through vivid colours, clear strokes, and an organic depiction of flames.”
Blessing of the Pets
The Church remembers Saint Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) on 4 October. Francis is known for his generosity to all people, his quest for justice and his companionship with, and compassion for, all animals. Around this time, many Christian communities hold Blessing of the Animals services as a reminder that all creatures belong to God and are part of the creation that God made and loves.
In the spirit of Saint Francis, a dedicated follower of Jesus, we celebrate and give thanks for our pets. We give thanks for the work of those who care for animals, and re-commit ourselves to acting for the good of our common home.
After two years of virtual Blessing of the Pets Services, we are very excited to be hosting a live service in the chapel grounds at 4pm on Sunday 18 September. All creatures great and small are welcome!
Blessings for the week ahead as we step into Spring!
Rev. Katherine