But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look[a] into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,“Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).
John 20:11-16 NRSVue
As comes the breath of spring with light and mirth and song,
so does your Spirit bring new days brave, free, and strong.
You come with thrill of life to chase hence winter's breath,
to hush to peace the strife of sin that ends in death.
Voices United 373 vs 1
Happy Earth Day! Happy? Really? In the midst of the gloomy news?
It is so tempting to downplay the celebratory aspect of this annual recognition of our planetary home, often termed Turtle Island by Indigenous peoples. Humans have made a mess of Earth in many ways and recent reports tell us of the decline in bird species, the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef, and the omnipresence of plastics. The first scientific reports of greenhouse gases and global heating were published in the mid-19th century yet nearly 200 years later we are still in willful denial, with our Canadian government actually subsidizing fossil fuel corporations and building pipelines with taxpayer money.
And yet... there are many voices shouting in the wilderness, inviting us to change our destructive ways. And as Christians we can connect the Risen Christ, mistaken by Mary as a gardener with the still abundant diversity of Creation if we're willing to look and listen.
We are not hope-less and it is important that we spend time in Creation, as created beings to truly appreciate being Groundlings. formed of the earth.
Somehow Ruth has agreed to bundle up and go for a paddle on what is literally a frosty morning in our part of Ontario. She indulges my insanity with grace and is the best possible companion for outdoor forays. Even on suspect days our spirits are lifted by venturing outside and each season offers its gifts. I do love the promise of Spring and the miraculous emergence of creatures that tucked themselves away against the cold or made their way to warmer climes for a few months.
As I have mentioned, regularly, we almost always pause for a few moments to give thanks for Creator and Creation, an act of humility and praise. I intend to be happy on this Earth Day, although you might say a prayer for our extremities as we paddle this morning!
Our United Church Moderator, Carmen Landsdowne, has asked congregations from sea to sea to sea to recognize this as Earth Week and acknowledge the love of Creation. Here is her invitation and a link to UCC resources.
Walking in Creation, I am filled with a love for all that surrounds me.... This abundant life is hurt and threatened by our greenhouse gas emissions and consequent warming of the planet. Livelihoods around the world are being disrupted. We need to summon a fierce love and act together. During Earth Week, April 21‒28, let’s show up For the Love of Creation.
Moderator the Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne
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