Lord, we celebrate the gift of new life on Easter Day. I know that even the darkest hour can be turned round if I act with others with compassion and with responsibility for our global neighbours. Keep me joyful as I work to bring about change in our world. May hope be our hallmark.
We are inspired by the resurrection of Jesus to hope for the possibility of new beginnings and a reversal of the effects of climate change. Extremes in weather conditions remind us of the darkness of Good Friday and the death of Jesus. Easter Day is a celebration of rebirth and the picture shows the transformation from death to new life. I realise that God encourages me to hope for a better future and to plant the seeds of change by choosing a lifestyle that will make a positive difference.
Lord, I recognise the despondency of people who are facing almost inevitable pain and loss because of climate change. Let me not bury my heads in the sand of indifference and do nothing. Rather may I carry in my hearts those who suffer as a result of earthquake, tsunami and drought. May I never forget to work for new life and a better future for all people.
The sadness on the face of the family and friends of Jesus says it all. You can almost hear the unspoken question, ‘Why?’ Was the death of Jesus inevitable? Why do so many die through hunger, malnourishment and disease while in many parts of the world we have so much medicine, water and produce? We must always ask ‘why’ so that we do not ignore the questions or turn away from the needs of others.
Lord, the sadness of Mary is lived again in the sorrow of mothers throughout the world. Give me the grace to continue to offer relief to those whose lives are blighted by the effects of climate change. Help me to change my lifestyle so that mothers may no longer be faced with this tragedy of loss and suffering.
We are familiar with the many examples of the Pieta, the image of the dead body of Jesus laid in his mother’s arms. Artists over the centuries have depicted it in many ways. There is a sadness in this image and yet there is relief that the suffering is over. The body of Jesus that had been racked with pain is tenderly held in the arms of his mother and her companions. This is such a contrast from the rough handling from his captors and torturers. This idea of relief brings to mind the watering of land after a drought.
Lord, keep me focused on the power I have to change society and to improve the lot of others. May I never forget those who have died as a result of climate change. May I resolve to bring about change where I can by living responsibly and considerately.
In the words of the Preface for Christian Death, ‘the sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortality’. Even as I recognise the consequences of climate change – the devastation of vast areas of land, the ruination of crops, the spread of disease, the cruelty of famine and drought – I remain hopeful that by working with others, we can turn things around again. The cross of Christ was ultimately one of victory.
Lord, words are not adequate to describe the pain and suffering of your ordeal. Open my eyes to the tragedy my selfishness can inflict on others. May I never turn away from my responsibility for the whole of creation. May my efforts ensure a reduction in the suffering of others.