The Season of Creation

The Season of Creation focuses on the word “Oikos”, the Greek word for ‘home’. Oikos is the root word for ‘economy’ – which, at a global level, is about planetary house-keeping and providing a just home for all people. Please read James 2: 1-10, 14-17 and consider these questions:

1. How far have modern understandings of the importance of the economy drifted from the root meaning of creating a secure and just home for all?
2. In a world of climate injustice, where careless use of fossil fuels leads to insecurity, disaster and suffering for the world’s poor and marginalized, what is the ‘good news’? Can there be good news without addressing such injustice?
3. “Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?” Is this passage aimed only at the ‘super rich’ or also at the many Christians who live comfortable lives, acting as if they (we) are ignorant of the links between that comfort – built on exploitative and unsustainable economic practices – and the suffering of the poor?

Prayer for this week:God of all the earth, as climate chaos wreaks havoc on homes, livelihoods and hopes, we raise our voices and call for justice for those who suffer the most but are the least responsible. We pray for wise, just, creative and courageous action for all of creation at this crisis hour. In the name of Jesus and for the sake of the Beloved Community we pray, Amen.