care – The Green Tau

The Feast of Creation in Christ

6th September 2026

Reflection with readings below

Feasts are times for celebration and rejoicing. Therefore the Feast of Creation in Christ should be a day for celebrating the integral relationship between creation and Christ, rejoicing in all the wonder and bounty of which we are beneficiaries.

The Feast of Creation in Christ marks the beginning of the season of Creation which ends 4th October with the feast of St Francis. Creation-tide is, I think, a time to practice a generous and respectful approach to creation. It is to be mindful that it is here in creation that we can encounter God on a daily basis. It is also a time to remember that we are part of and not above creation; that we are partners with all that lives as members of a an intricate set of ecosystems. It is by remembering our co-dependency that we will learn to live within the Earth’s planetary boundaries and in so doing, fulfil our vocation to tend and cherish the Earth.

The reading from Isaiah is rightly full of praise and joy. Yet note, it is not humans who are doing the celebrating but the landscape and the vegetation. Throughout the Bible there are many other examples of non-human beings praising and worshipping God. When we praise and worship God, we do so not alone but in union with the rest of creation. Deborah Colvin, who led last Wednesday’s Green Christian talk on living waters, encouraged us to simply listen to the sounds from creation and in silence join our prayers with them. It is so easy for us to slip into attitudes that ignore creation. Spending time in nature whether that be sitting in a garden, walking under trees, standing by a river, staring up at the clouds, and simply paying attention to what is around us, is a way of joining in the worship of God. Such attentiveness will likely also make us aware of where and how we are mistreating creation and causing God to grieve.

These sentiments are re-echoed in today’s psalm.

Both New Testament readings explore the relationship between Jesus and creation. Here we hear that Jesus being both fully God and a distinct facet of God, was integrally part of the totality of the divine will that created all that exists. Here we also hear that Jesus in becoming fully human, has become the head of the body – the community – of the people of God – also known as the Church. And is the first born raised from the dead, and the first to lead us by the way of the cross, unfolding for us the gift of salvation.

We often talk of being one in Christ when talking about baptism, or belonging to church, or taking communion. I don’t think we so often say this when we’re gardening, feeding the cat, walking in the park etc. Yet if “all things have been created through him and for him … and in him all things hold together” then all things are ‘in Christ’. This should once again reinforce for us the need to see ourselves as one with the rest of creation and not superior to any part thereof, to be willing to join with the rest of creation in worshipping God, and being eager to care for creation as both our love of neighbour and as our love of God.

Realising a new our relationship with creation and therefore with God through Christ is a time for celebration and feasting!

Isaiah 55.12−end

You will go out in joy

and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills

will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field

will clap their hands.

Instead of the thorn bush will grow the juniper,

and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.

This will be for the Lord’s renown,

for an everlasting sign,

that will endure forever.”

Psalm 96

Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvellous deeds among all peoples.

For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.

Splendour and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.

Worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.

Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Colossians 1.15−20

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

John 1.1−14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Tune our senses to God’s wisdom

30th May 2026

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Job 38:1-2

The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. John 3:8

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:17

Listen; attune your ears – what do you hear?

The excited chatter of children,

and the chatter of jackdaws,

wind rustling the leaves,

and feet tapping the road.

Or the drone of cars – too much!

Or the whine of planes – too many!

Look; focus your vision – what do you see?

a lacework of branches against the sky,

and curvaceous clouds,

the green patina of leaves,

and the tight curl of a snail shell.

Or traffic crawling bumper to bumper – too much

Or discarded tatters of plastic – too many!

Stretch; bare your skin – what do you feel?

The warm caress of the sun,

the gentle frisson of the breeze,

the prickle of grass,

the textured bark of a tree.

Or the rasp of exhaust in your throat – too much!

Or the scratch of particulates in your eyes – too many!

Sniff; breathe deeply – what do you smell?

The aroma of fresh coffee,

and the zest of orange juice,

the fragrance of the rose,

and the warmth of ground spices.

Or the reek of petrol – too much!

Or the sting of pesticides – too many!

Savour; let it linger on your tongue – what do you taste?

The fresh acidity of an apple,

and the earthy satisfaction of bread,

the squishy sweetness of banana,

and the melting delight of chocolate.

Or the fake sweetness of green wash – too much!

Or the gall of climate injustice- too many !

Merciful God,

bring us to our senses.

Help us rebuild a world

of right experiences.

Amen.

“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 3:17

Holy God,

in the hour of our stupidity,

guide us with your wisdom.

Help us to understand afresh

the intricacies and interconnectedness

of the world you have given us.

Holy God,

in the hour of our need,

repair the damage we have caused

to your world

so that we might all be saved.

Amen.

Counting on 2026 …. Day 49

28th May

Caring for water is to be mindful of what goes down the drain. Waste water systems – drains, sewers etc – are not intended as general rubbish bins!

They are not places for alien chemicals. Using only eco friendly laundry and washing up liquids makes sense. Nor are they places for wet wipes, paper towels or paper serviettes – these are design to be strong and absorbent and doing that means they likely block the drain!

They are not places for oil and grease – wipe excess oil from pans etc using a paper and put that in your compost heap or food bin. Nor are they the place for paints, white spirit, varnish etc. Your local authority should have disposal facilities for these.

Drains are also not the place for waste food – this should go in your compost heap or food bin (the latter only should be used for items like meat, fish etc).

Counting on … Lent 6

12th March 2025

“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that Adam should be alone; I will make them a helper as their partner.’ So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what they would call them; and whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.” Genesis 2: 18,19

Soil degradation is a global problem, resulting largely from intensive farming practices whereby the soil is denuded of essential organic matter. Degraded soils do not support healthy plants – be that wild plants or crops. They does not absorb water leading both to floods and droughts. Humans have caused this degradation of the soil in part because they have not cared for those helpers that live in the soil – such as earthworms. The use of pesticides and herbicides as well as excessive tillage of the soil depleted worm and other soil tending populations.

We sons and daughters of Adam need a greater understanding of our fellow God-given helpers and a better commitment to care for them.

https://www.soilassociation.org/causes-campaigns/save-our-soil/meet-the-unsung-heroes-looking-after-our-soil/why-are-worms-important/

Worming our way towards healthier soils

Blessings for Creation

28th September 2024

(You may wish to adapt these prayers to suit your local green spaces, nature reserves, parks etc)

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits;

Bless the Lord, all you works of his,

in all places of his dominion;

bless the Lord, O my soul.

Ps 103: 1-2, 22

Reading: And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13

Response:
Everliving God, the heavens declare your praise and yet cannot contain your glory.

We join with all creation in honouring you.

for frosty mornings and blue skies,

and the fresh air we breathe:

We bless you, creator God;

for robins, sparrows and starlings,

and all who visit our gardens:

We bless you, creator God;

For strong limbed trees and supple saplings,

and all the strength they embody:

We bless you, creator God;

For fruits and roots, and leaves and shoots,

and all the nourishment they provide:

We bless you, creator God;

For cats and dogs, our companionable friends,

and foxes and deer, our wilder friends:

We bless you, creator God;

For winter flowers and bumble bees,

for winter’s work and rest:

We bless you, creator God!

Let’s offer intercessions for the well being of our local environment

We pray for the work of the Wetlands Trust protecting birds and their habitats, and we give thanks for our local Wetlands reserve.

We pray for the work of Kew Gardens and the Millennium Seed Bank, for their work in protecting and nurturing plants and we give thanks for beauty of the gardens.

We pray for the work of the park rangers maintaining the wildness of Richmond Park with its great diversity of plant and animal life. We pray too for the work of Holly Lodge enabling the Park to be accessible to all.

We pray for those who work to protect the biodiversity of the Thames, and we give thanks for the wildlife returning to its waters.

We pray for the Friends of Sheen Common and of Palewell Common and for their safeguarding of these local green oases. We give thanks for joy that comes from playing and running, from playing sports and walking dogs.

We pray too for local gardeners and keepers of allotments, and for all who put out food and water for birds. We give thanks for the beauty of the front gardens we walk past.

As we notice the wonders of creation that surround us,

we pray that what we see we will love,

and that what we love, we will protect,

and that what we protect, will be blessed by God.

Amen.

Proper 14 11th Sunday after Trinity

11th August 2024

Reflection with readings below

Elijah has been so courageous. He has challenged the authority of the priests of Baal and by so doing, the authority of the king himself. He has kept up his challenge all day long and finally risked all by placing all his trust in God as he asked God to bring down fire from heaven to burn up his soaking wet pyre. There must have been there a moment of fear when he doubted whether God would respond and confound all expectations. Then on top of that, he kills the 450 priests of Baal. This is not an action we would in anyway countenance but would surely have been an action that required immense physical strength and endurance.

Elijah has committed everything in his service to God and yet now he is fleeing for his life. He doubts now whether his efforts have achieved anything. How exhausted and drained he must have felt? It is no wonder that he asks to die where he is lies under the broom tree.

God hears Elijah’s cry for help and sends him food and water. God understands that what Elijah needs first is physical sustenance and then rest. Only then will Elijah be ready to be revived spiritually. And in the next part of the story, Elijah will encounter God in the silence of stillness.

In today’s gospel, Jesus is still talking with the people who had been overwhelmed by the feeding of the 5000. They cannot move on from that experience of being fed their full of bread and fish. They can only understand this as a physical action by Jesus and not as a part of the mission he has from God to share the good news of salvation. For Jesus the physical and the spiritual are intertwined. People are healed physically and spiritually. Temple worship is to be reformed physically and spiritually. People are born both of the flesh and the spirit for such is the will of God.

So now Jesus is trying to explain to the people that just eating the bread he provides but not feeding on the spiritual food he offers – ie his teachings – will not bring them the salvation, the peace of mind and union with God, that they seek.

Earth and heaven are interwoven. You can’t engage in spiritual tasks without also engaging with the physical realities of life. You can’t go out on a mission for God without first eating and sleeping. But equally you cannot be fully the human God intends if you only partake of physical food and do not also seek the spiritual nourishment that comes from being in communion with what is of heaven.

St Francis lived a life in which he was constantly torn between wanting to spend all his time in a silent isolation focused on contemplative prayer, and wanting to spend time out and about sharing the gospel with everyone – and that not limited to just humans. He was pulled back and forth between things spiritual and things physical. In reality he could not have done either without the other.

He famously had a fear – an utter revulsion – of lepers. In his youth, he like his contemporaries, would steer clear of any lepers, for fear of infection and fear of the way in which the disease destroyed once appearance and led to social isolation. But as Francis grew in his spiritual life, he found one day the Spirit prompting him to reach out and touch and hug the leper before him. And in that moment he found himself overwhelmed with love for the other, and kissed him, all fear and revulsion gone.

This week we have seen horrendous scenes of anger and hatred – often based on ill-founded and misinformed fears. We have also seen outpourings of compassion and courage in the face of danger. At one point a Muslim leader in Liverpool reached and hugged one of the protestors. Elsewhere people on both sides of the conflict sat outside a cafe as they listen to what the other feared.

If we want peace we need to be able view everyone with compassion. We need to be able to reach out with an openness that will allow us to hear, and hopefully understand, where the other person is coming from – what it is that troubles them.

We have seen people coming together to clear the streets, to clean things up. We have seen people fund raise to enable others to replace damaged property. I hope we will see the government come forward with funds and policies that will properly address the loss of living standards that so many have endured over the last 15 or so years. Only by ensuring justice for all, can peace be found.

As Christians and faith communities we can draw on spiritual strengths that come from God, and we can be inspired the vision of God’s kingdom being established in earth. And we can use our physical resources of property, money and influence, to ensure that such justice is pursued. For truly things spiritual and physical, heavenly and earthly, are entwined and together will glorify God.

1 Kings 19:4-8

Elijah went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.

Psalm 34:1-8

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; *
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.

2 I will glory in the Lord; *
let the humble hear and rejoice.

3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; *
let us exalt his Name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me *
and delivered me out of all my terror.

5 Look upon him and be radiant, *
and let not your faces be ashamed.

6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me *
and saved me from all my troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, *
and he will deliver them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; *
happy are they who trust in him!

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbours, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labour and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

John 6:35, 41-51

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”