The Earth is the Lord’s

Psalm 24:1 “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and those who live in it.”

The Earth is the Lord’s

Summary: Creation is God’s gift, entrusted to our care, and true stewardship means honoring the Earth as sacred by living gently, sustainably, and lovingly with all that God has made.

Beloved in Christ,

Psalm 24 begins with the declaration, “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and those who live in it.” These words remind us that creation does not belong to us. It is God’s gift, entrusted to our care. We are not owners but stewards—called to live in relationship with creation in the same spirit of reverence, humility, and love that God shows toward us.

For too long, theology was twisted to suggest that humanity’s role was to “dominate” or “subdue” the Earth. New voices across the Church have reminded us that this was never God’s intent. To be made in the image of God is not to exploit, but to cultivate and protect; it is to mirror God’s own care and creativity. Creation is not a commodity—it is a communion.

When we speak of stewardship, we are not only talking about budgets or buildings. Stewardship is the spiritual practice of tending to all that God has placed in our hands: our time, our talents, our relationships, and yes—our planet. In this age of climate change, wildfires, droughts, and floods, creation care is not optional; it is a gospel imperative. To love our neighbor is to ensure they have clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and fertile ground to grow food. To love God is to honor the Earth that bears God’s fingerprints in every tree, river, and bird.

The early church fathers spoke of creation as a “second scripture”—a text written in the language of wind and soil and starlight. To ignore the cries of creation is to ignore the voice of God speaking through it. When we plant gardens, reduce waste, advocate for renewable energy, or simply choose to walk gently upon the Earth, we are participating in holy worship.

So this week, I invite you to consider:

• What small act of care can you offer to God’s creation?

• How might your choices—at home, at church, in the community—reflect a commitment to sustainability?

• How can our parish, together, be a sign of hope for creation’s renewal?

The Earth is the Lord’s. We are caretakers, not consumers; gardeners, not conquerors. May our stewardship reflect the abundance and grace of the Creator who entrusted this beautiful world to our love.

With gratitude for this sacred Earth and for each of you,

Pastor Anny+

The Rev. Dr. Anny Genato+

Rector