The sea – Creationtide

This picture aims to capture the power of the sea. Large waves move with force towards the shore. The sky is dark and threatening, suggesting turbulence in both ocean and heavens. The way that they have been painted means that the waters and above and in the deep merge with one another. One single figure can be seen on the shore, most likely a man. His purpose is to give a sense of scale to the whole picture. Clearly he will struggle to stand against the incoming tide. This is an image that calls the viewer to have respect for the created order, and stand humbly before it.

Sunday 6 September 2020 was Climate Sunday, the first Sunday of the Season of Creation. At this time, when the world is giving significant attention to the pandemic, the reminder comes not to forget the climate crisis that also presents enormous challenges to the peoples of the world. The time between the beginning of September and 4 October is set aside for prayer and reflection on matters related to the stewardship of the natural world.

The painting of the sea is by Joaquin Sorolla, painted in Valencia at the end of the 19thC.

For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
O come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

Psalm 95:3-6

Father, we pray for you to raise up a generation of leaders with the courage to take responsibility for our changing climate, and the part we have played in it. We intercede for our politicians and leaders. Move them to act in the best interests of all nations today, and all peoples in the future, in order to avoid catastrophic changes. And inspire us, Mighty God, to amend our lives for the sake of your Earth, your climate, your people. Amen

Greenfaith

E te Atua,
Please bless those who are suffering and are moving because of sea levels rising and bad disasters happening. Please bless them and watch over them as they have to move to another island because of climate weather change. Please Lord, we ask you to take care of them and watch over them especially as they can’t plant food to eat. Amen.

Cecillia Fuataga, Year 5, St Anne’s Catholic School, Manurewa, New Zealand