Climate Change, Faith and Hope - Good Friday
Adapted from "A Tenebrae for the Earth"
by Kim Winchell, Diaconal Minister (2009)
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. - John 3:16-17
A Prayer of Sorrow
*Adapted from UN Environmental Programme's Only One Earth (1990)
L: We have forgotten who we are
R: We have forgotten who we are
L: We have alienated ourselves from the unfolding of the cosmos
We have become estranged from the movements of the Earth
We have turned our backs on the cycles of life.
R: We have forgotten who we are
L: We have sought only our own security
We have exploited simply for our own ends
We have distorted our knowledge
We have abused our power.
R: We have forgotten who we are
L: Now the land is barren
And the waters are poisoned
And the air is polluted
And the climate is changing.
R: We have forgotten who we are
L: Now the forests are dying
And the creatures are disappearing
And the humans are despairing.
R: We have forgotten who we are
L: We ask forgiveness
We ask for the gift of remembering
We ask for the strength to change.
R: We have forgotten who we are
Pause for a moment of silent reflection
Words of Reflection
How we have muddied our lives, the lives of others, and the beauty of God's Earth! This world that God created and loves and pronounced good and very good. This world that our Lord Jesus came to and walked upon, teaching a new way of life: a way of justice, mercy, compassion, and peace.
This world into which Christ came, to restore the fullness of relationships - to reconcile – all things, whether in heaven or on Earth. This world into which Christ came to model the true abundance of life - not accumulation of material goods, but the storing up of love, peace, mercy, and justice in our relationships.
How often have we not loved our neighbors as ourselves?
And do we limit whom we call a neighbor?
How often we have neglected justice!
How often we have lacked compassion!
How often we have not established peace for our fellow brothers and sisters or for all of creation!
How often we have caused broken relationships, with one another and with all of creation!
How often, in our ignorance, apathy, arrogance and greed, we have continued to cause you pain, Lord Jesus, in the way we treat one another and all of creation.
O Lord, forgive us, for too often we DO know what we do.
Help us to change. Move our hearts. Speak to our hearts ... and stir up our spirits, so that we may more faithfully follow you and your call to love and serve God ... and to love and serve our neighbor ... and to love and care for your Earth, out of the deepest gratitude for all that you have done for us, especially as we remember your suffering for us, and for all of creation, upon your cross.
And let all God's people say: Amen.
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