25 February: Revd Josh Askwith
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A reflection from the Revd Josh Askwith, Hazel Grove
There is something awe-inspiring about the idea that we have been asked to partner with God in looking after the planet. Think about it for a moment. Think about the complexity of the tiny baby or the biodiversity of a rainforest. Our God, who created that, calls us into partnership. I wonder if the psalmist had the imago dei in mind when he wrote that humankind is as “a little lower than the angels” and “crowned with glory and honour” in verse 5. It is tempting to think that we have authorship and ownership of nature, that as God gives us dominion so we are given ownership. This is not the case. How could we have ownership over something as complex as that? I ministered for a time in Toronto. While there I was encouraged to spend time with the indigenous peoples. While listening and talking I learnt a lot about partnership. I learnt about their respect and reverence for the land, of their thanks for the world around them, and their desire to not subdue or own land. Today, as you ponder what it means to have dominion over God’s creation reflect upon our call into partnership and challenge yourself to make a small step to respect their earth we are called to protect. A prayer Dear Lord, We lament the times we have misused your creation, exerting ownership over it. Please remind us that we are called to be partners with you and help us to reassess the way we interact with your creation. Amen. Revd Josh Askwith,
Information PointThe Church of England has a series of webinars that you can access to learn more about becoming net zero carbon by 2030. Webinars on getting to net zero carbon | The Church of England |
