Caring for Creation and Community

‘Six days do your work, but on the seventh do not work
so that your ox and your donkey may rest,
and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner
living among you may be refreshed’
(Exodus 23:12).

When God created us as his image-bearers, we were given a mandate to steward the world.
Sin has made us exploit the world and not care for it as we should.
One of the ways in which we can be a blessing to our family and the society around us
is to ensure that they have the benefit of weekly rest from their labours.
But there are many other ways as well. It is no accident that the RSPCA had Christian origins,
for the care of animals is also part of the human responsibility.

Question for thought: How do I express my care for the world including others?

Loving Lord, we bring before the situation in DR Congo and pray there will be an end
to persecution and the instability that it brings. We pray for members in the Dioceses of Kinshasa
and Kisangani as they support their communities. Help them to stand firm in their faith in you in the midst
of conflict and provide practical and the pastoral care to the many who are victims of the conflict.
May they know that ‘The Lord is their Shepherd’ who cares for them.  Amen.