Jerusalem, towards our common home in heaven. Jesus says: “I make all things new” (
Rev
21:5).
Eternal life will be a shared experience of awe, inwhich each creature, resplendently transfigured, will
take its rightful place and have something to give those poor men and women who will have been
liberatedonce and for all.
244. In themeantime, we come together to take charge of this home which has been entrusted to us,
knowing that all the goodwhich exists here will be taken up into the heavenly feast. In unionwith all
creatures, we journey through this land seekingGod, for “if theworldhas abeginning and if it has been
created, we must enquire who gave it this beginning, and who was its Creator”.
172
Let us sing as we
go. Mayour struggles andour concern for this planet never take away the joyof our hope.
245. God, who calls us to generous commitment and to give him our all, offers us the light and the
strength needed to continue on our way. In the heart of this world, the Lord of life, who loves us so
much, is always present. He does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone, for he has united himself
definitively to our earth, andhis love constantly impels us to findnewways forward.
Praisebe tohim
!
** ** *
246. At the conclusion of this lengthy reflectionwhich has been both joyful and troubling, I propose
that we offer two prayers. The first we can sharewith all who believe in aGodwho is the all-powerful
Creator, while in the other we Christians ask for inspiration to take up the commitment to creation set
before us by theGospel of Jesus.
A prayer for our earth
All-powerfulGod, you are present in thewholeuniverse
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embracewith your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us thepower of your love,
thatwemayprotect life and beauty.
172
BASILTHEGREAT,
Hom. inHexaemeron
, I, 2, 6: PG29, 8.
