From Revd Heather
Autumn, so often referred to as a season of mellow fruitfulness… but currently little fruitfulness abounds …those foraging for blackberries and sloes have found a poor crop …vegetable plots have reduced bounty …and those who have watched the Clarkson series will be well aware of just how poor the harvest yields are this year.
It begs the question …Is it global warming, climate change or just humanities over demanding expectations and the lack of willingness to share our resources a common factor ? …. each of us will respond in a different way ! Broaching the subject with my son, … he listened and then said ‘Mother !’ I knew by the way he addressed me ..I was in bad stook! He pointed out that parts of the middle ages were just as hot ! Each of you will probably come up with a different reason or concept.
The Church of England seeming in tune with our plight addressed the situation by creating a Creation season in the churches calendar.. commencing with the 1st Sunday in September it will last for four weeks. This year ‘s theme is ‘ living water.’ Having seen the aridness of the country side …it seemed particularly apt !
My thought process flashed up Jesus’s comments about being ‘ living water’
In quite a different context … water is generally regarded as the symbol of the Holy Spirit …both in the sacrament of Baptism and the Eucharist … it would seem we might be in in the same situation as depicted in Michaelangelo ‘s painting as to whether God is reaching out to Adam or is Adam taking leave of God ?
All creation, human or otherwise is dependant on water …I leave you to decide ..
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally has spoken about the significance of Creationtide: 'In the Season of Creation, we turn again to Christ, through whom all things were made and in whom all things hold together. In his incarnation, death and resurrection, God’s love is revealed not only for humanity but for the whole created order. To care for creation is therefore an essential expression of Christian discipleship and an integral mark of the Church’s mission: to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and to sustain and renew the life of the earth. As we follow Christ, we are called to share in his reconciling work, seeking justice, healing and hope for the earth and for all who dwell within it.’
Need I say more ? Whilst I am not into rain dancing, practical as I am ! Revd Jane and the rest of clergy are here to help with that spiritual aridness that can dog our footsteps from time to time. Heather.