The Burning Bush
The History of the Burning Bush
The Burning Bush’s presence with us began at the start of last year’s Season of Creation. It was put together with branches from various trees and shrubs found at the Eco-Justice Center. The bush represented 2022 theme, “Listen to the Voice of Creation.” The burning bush called us to reflect on both the destructive nature of wildfires caused by climate change and the unquenchable, life-sustaining flame of God’s presence that Moses experienced on Mt. Horeb. Like Moses, we were called “to remove the sandals of our unsustainable lifestyles and contemplate our connection to the holy ground where we live.”
We continued to use the tree as a symbol in the chapel, decorating it for Advent, Lent, Easter, Spring and Pentecost. This little tree has served us so well.
We carried pieces of the tree out to the place where we planted an evergreen several years ago and placed it at the feet of the tree. As the pieces of the dead wood decay, they will return to the earth, becoming life-giving food for this evergreen tree, who in turn serves as host for others of God’s creation: birds and insects. May this tree and its surroundings be a source of wonder for all who pause to see the beauty of this place.
A Prayer for our Earth
God of wonder and awe, we give you thanks for the beauty of creation. We ask your blessing on all who listen to the cries of the poor. Help us to be good stewards of Earth.
We believe that all creatures come forth from the all-powerful hand of the Creator, evolving through time and space, filled with God’s presence and tender love.
May God awaken our praise and thankfulness for every creature and bless us with the grace of feeling profoundly joined to everything that is.
Through Christ all things were made. Formed in the womb of Mary our Mother, Christ Jesus became part of this Earth, gazing upon this world with human eyes.
May Christ bless us with eyes to see him alive in every creature in his risen glory.
The Holy Spirit guides this world toward the Creator’s love and accompanies creation as it groans in travail.
May this Holy Spirit dwell in our hearts ad inspire us to do what is good, to care wisely and with love for Earth, our common home.
And may our Triune God, wondrous community of infinite love, bless us all with justice, peace, love and beauty, God who is Creator, Word, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
May
Amen.
this Holy Spirit dwell in our hearts ad inspire us to do what is good, to care wisely and with love for Earth, our common home.