52. The Soul
In Laudato Si’ Pope Francis reflects on the life of St Francis of Assisi and how for him, each and every creature was like a sister or a brother. We are a part of creation not separate from it. In Genesis 2:15, we are instructed to ‘till and keep’ the garden. Over time we’ve been pretty good at tilling but not so great at keeping.
This year’s Social Justice Statement, written by the Australian Catholic Bishops ‘Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor’ reflects on creation in and through the Trinity; the sacramentality of all created things; the wonder and beauty available to the contemplative eye; and the need for conversion and change of life. This statement coupled with Laudato Si’ challenges us to reflect on all of creation and the part we all play in keeping it.
Today is an opportunity for us to stop what we are doing, to step outside or to gaze outside the window and look, really look at the beauty that surrounds us - in plants, animals and in each other.
Let us celebrate creation, thanking God for this beautiful gift. Let us also listen to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and let us ask God to guide our thoughts and actions as we move through the rest of our day. Let us be ready to follow that guidance.
Source - One in a series of prayer cards from the resources from this year’s Social Justice Statement by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference entitled ‘Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor’
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time | Year B
Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Online Mass Links
- Daily Mass, National Day of Prayer and other great videos from St Mary’s Parish Casino YouTube Channel
- When All Creation Groans (Katie Bethan) - In The Soul, we hope to showcase an eclectic selection of worship music. Enjoy this modern take on God’s intimate love for all creation.
- Creation Sings - A reflection on Psalm 104.
- So Will I (Hillsong United) - A moving song praising the wonders that God has given us.
- Psalm 19 (Poor Bishop Hooper) - The repetitive nature of the lyrics allow deep contemplation on the heavens telling the glory of God in this soulful rendition of Psalm 19.
- A Hobby for all Seasons - 7 Science-backed Benefits of Indoor Plants. Discover the value of tending to something growing and living while in isolation.
- Rachel Castle of ‘Castle and Things’ has some bright and funny colour-in pages for adults (and kids), with a hope-filled take on lockdown that can’t help but make you smile!
Here are some examples.
- Visio Divina - Instead of using artwork for visio divina, spend some time sitting in nature or looking out at it and praying with this beautiful practice.
Early Stage 1 & 2 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Secondary | Whole School
The Student Station produced resources for teachers during blended learning in 2020. These resources shared each week in The Soul, are archived on the Home Learning Site.
During the current period of blended learning, the Home Learning Site will be further updated with resources. This week’s feature resource is an infographic designed to assist students of all ages with the simple steps involved in Christian Meditation.
- Praying with Children is a subscribed resource from Liturgy Brisbane available to all primary schools in the Diocese of Lismore. Access to all available weeks can be found here, including next Sunday 29 August.
- Laudato Si’ Reflection Cards - A set of seven reflection cards based around integral ecology in our lives, through the lens of Laudato Si'. These cards can be used independently or in conjunction with the 7 Questions to Guide Reflection on Integral Ecology.
- Elements is an online initiative by Catholic Youth Parramatta which offers content for youth ministers to use in their respective parishes, schools and movements.
- Catholic Teacher is a weekly overview of the Australian Catholic Resource. This week it explores debates surrounding Jesus as a political figure and seeks to reclaim the future. As educators, we seek God amidst the uncertain political changes occurring in neighbouring countries and prepare by encouraging our students to pray with one heart.
- 1st September - 4th October is the Season of Creation. Find out how you can become involved here.
- Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor - a short video prepared by the Australian Catholic Bishops outlining this year’s Social Justice Statement. Download the full Social Justice Statement from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference here.
- Catholic Earthcare provides a number of resources and opportunities to engage with creation throughout the Season of Creation and beyond.
- CAFOD- Laudato Si’ Resources - The Catholic Agency For Overseas Development has produced resources to reflect and respond to Laudato Si' including prayers, liturgies, a study guide and ideas for practical action relating to environmental issues.
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