Devotional for Second Sunday of Lent

Creatures of the Same Creator

 The Lord is gracious and merciful,

    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
    and his compassion is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your faithful shall bless you….

The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
    satisfying the desire of every living thing.

Psalm 145:8-10, 15-16

As Psalm 145 says, God’s compassion is over all that God has made! “You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing” (v. 16).

We humans tend to think of the world as our oyster. But is that really the intention of our God who creates and cares for the world? 

Photo credit: David Monniaux

Most of us in the developed world can spend entire weeks not noticing that the planet teems with more sentient, vibrant life than humans. Stepping outside ourselves (literally) reveals a complex world made up of billions of God’s creatures. Squirrels and opossums, dandelions and oysters, clay and sun—all works of the One who is “abounding in steadfast love” (v. 8b). 

Our “world is our oyster” mindset may free us to live full lives, at least as defined by human society, but is this mindset satisfying to our God who cares for everyone, biped and bivalve alike?

Let’s consider the oyster world. Although oysters may seem like simple organisms, they are not just sources of pearls and lunch. Oysters are a keystone species, integral to the health of an entire ecosystem. Oysters are champion recyclers, too, each filtering gallons of water every single day. Their shells provide refuge for other creatures. Oysters have oyster feelings. Scientists are discovering that even “simple” organisms demonstrate an awareness of their circumstances. For example, even though they do not have ears, oysters “hear.” Human-generated noise pollution harms their health and the health of their offspring for generations. 

Our world is as complex and marvelous as is our Creator who delights and provides sustenance and “steadfast love” for all creation. As followers of Jesus Christ, let us embrace one another in celebration of and compassion for all God’s works. Let us endeavor to live in wonder, care and compassion.

Prayer

Holy One, your world teems with complexity and beauty, and you are “good to all,” human, daisy and oyster alike. During this season of Lent, we vow to sharpen our focus and soften our hearts so that we can more fully appreciate You as we seek shalom with one another, your beloved creation. Amen.

Carissa Herold has served Presbyterian Women as marketing associate since 2005. Carissa and her husband happily share their home with four dogs and three cats and the occasional “foster dog” from the local humane society. She attends First Presbyterian Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and enjoys her ministry of creation- and justice-friendly initiatives of the church’s Green Team.