14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Don’t you love Wellington in winter.  We had some great weather through autumn and then winter arrived and with it came the gales and the rain.  And yes more rain…

Wellington has had it’s downpours and now it is the turn of Mosgiel, Kaikoura and the Waiau, while South Wairarapa is in line for another dump of rain.  The result has been flooding, slips, fallen trees and power outages in many areas.  Lives have been disrupted, homes damaged and livelihoods affected.  The priority becomes keeping safe, dry, and where possible warm.  For some there is not much joy at the moment. 

Our climate has certainly changed.  These downpours are heavier and more frequent. In June Pope Leo spoke about the climate crisis.  He said that the principles of common good, solidarity and social justice are intimately connected to the climate crisis.  He went so far as to note that “unless they (common good and social justice) are addressed, no technical solutions for protecting the environment will have a chance of achieving their desired end.”

Pope Leo continued, “these essential personal and social matters are intimately connected to the climate crisis…  those who believe that our world was created by God and is inherently good are compelled to assume an even greater responsibility to care for creation, since this is the requirement of their faith,” he explained.

The Gospel this weekend supports these words.  Jesus beckons us: “Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This invitation focuses attention on the dignity and care of one another but particularly the vulnerable. The words are addressed to the simple and humble hearted who readily recognise their need for God’s grace and compassion.

The Gospel calls each of us to respond as everyone has a role to play, both in care of those who labour and are heavy laden and caring for the gift of creation entrusted to us. In doing so, we become signs of hope, bringing Christ’s compassion to a world that longs for healing.

Jane Kelly