We have recently entered the month of September. The Church marks the first day of September as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The Season of Saint Francis of Assisi. The concern for creation is one that is widely shared throughout the human family and one that is a deep focus for many Religious. A significant group within CRA is the Ecology Alliance. A great gift to our nation is the indigenous wisdom by which there is profound sense of the sacred revealed in the reality of creation. The call of the young to be concerned about creation is prophetic to all of us.

As I write I am preparing for a brief journey this weekend to a remote location within the greater Blue Mountains area near Sydney. Despite its proximity as the crow flies to a large city, this particular place is quite isolated due to limited access. I am looking forward to realities that are part of such places – the clarity of the stars at night, the crisp air, the sounds of native animals, the quiet of the night, the freshness of the forest and much else besides. Daily preoccupations remain but they can be put on hold for short while as experiences of sheer wonder are enjoyed.

Wonder is a precious gift that sometimes eludes us but remains deeply embedded in us. Wonder and faith go hand in hand. Wonder inspires hope. Wonder is a foundation of love – the beauty of creation before us points to the absolute Beauty inherent in the Source of Creation (cf. St Augustine). Genuine prayer expands our hearts and is sustained by graced wonder.

Wonder is the springboard of responsibility. Our marvelling at the gift of creation inspires active concern for that gift. Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ remains a crucial message for humanity and, as Religious, a practical inspiration to shaping our witness and ministry. The prayers of this Season of Creation bear fruit if wonder is wedded to commitment.