Lord God, Creator and Redeemer of us all

I remember my first visit to a planetarium.  It was a school trip to the Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, which was exciting enough. And yet the opportunity to sit in these weird seats while the sky spun around me was truly awesome.  I recall feeling really small after that experience (and indeed every time I’ve been to a planetarium since) because the program reminded me of just how small a part I am in an extremely large universe.  It puts things into a perspective that is helpful.  It doesn’t diminish my cares and occupations to seem meaningless, but it does remind me of just how big God is.  God is the Creator of all – ALL – and I doubt we have even scratched the surface of what that means.

In the latter part of the Season after Pentecost, we will take the opportunity for the next 5 weeks to highlight in our liturgy what it means to be in relationship with the Creator, what position humans have in Creation, and how we can share our love of God by being in right relationship with creation.  It is a time to celebrate all that we have been given to enjoy and how best to do that for the benefit of all.

It is an opportunity to think of our vocation of stewards of what we have been given, as humans are appointed by God in Genesis.  As stewards, we have authority over creation, but that does not mean it is ours to abuse.  This authority is God given and meant to be used with love and compassion, not for our own gain.  Such authority finds its power in giving, not getting.  It comes with much responsibility rather than claiming rights.  Unfortunately, much of human history does not demonstrate adhering to these ideals.

We need to claim the title of “Steward” as much as we claim the identity of “Christian.”  It is what we are, showing and sharing our faith through our actions and deeds.  And it helps remind us that we are not the Creator, but part of the created order with a critical role to fulfill. I cannot create anything.  All I make comes from something God created first. My stewardship of those resources is a blessed responsibility, and one none of us should take lightly.

So we will make time to reflect and give thanks for the awesome wonder that Creation is.  We will be mindful of our stewardship and consider how we might exercise that duty better.  And we will celebrate that, even though humans are a small part of this great Creation, the Creator loves each and every one of us deeply.

If that doesn’t make you feel important, nothing will!

In Christ,

Rev. Valerie+

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