Following the election last fall, our new Prime Minister made some interesting choices for positions requiring a cabinet minister. The choice that seemed to be the most surprising and intriguing of all was the one that was designated as Environment and Climate Change. This reflected a conviction that our climate is indeed changing, and these changes are at least partially caused by a variety of human actions. There is also a growing opinion that our national stewardship of our natural resources has allowed pollution of those rich resources to grow to the point of endangering the natural balance of our planet.
The Genesis account of creation designates human beings as custodians of our planet. God has given us “dominion” over the earth and all its creatures. (Genesis 1:26) Our reading describes a particular cycle of feast and famine. In doing so the account assigns to human beings a mandate to ensure that the earth’s natural resources are husbanded in a way that demonstrates genuine “dominion,” not exploitation for personal gain.
We live in a wonderful relationship with the world of nature. Our biblical reading for today encourages us to maintain that relationship with integrity and sound policy.
Gracious God, we thank you for the life you have given us on this earth. Help us to enjoy, preserve and enhance that life in all its aspects. Amen. — RN