02 May 2013

Aloha!       

A week from today is the fortieth day of Easter and the great feast of the Ascension. One of the most important days of the church year, we will celebrate the day with a high mass. Less well-known are the three days leading up to the Ascension - the Rogation Days. On page 258 of the Book of Common Prayer you may find the collects for the Rogation Days when we specifically pray for three things:  

1. For fruitful seasons
2. For commerce and industry
3. For stewardship of creation

Having just celebrated Earth Day in the secular world, the Rogation Days are one of the ways that the Church remembers our duty and delight to care for the creation.  It is during the Easter season in many places that the ground is prepared for the fall harvest as well.  As Christ is risen, the land also comes alive with the new growth of spring.  Just as we are called to come to life in Jesus Christ, we are also called to care for the good earth which sustains us - which even resurrects us.

Living in the Islands we certainly understand how precious the environment is.  We are responsible for ensuring that this piece of paradise thrives for many years to come.  I think it is fitting that during this time of Easter Rogation we have recently completed work on our preschool playground, planting green grass in lieu of sand for the children to enjoy.  I have also been made aware of how gardening, according to the Okinawans, is one of the secrets to living a long and healthy life.  Could it be that when we care for the creation, we create resurrection in our lives, and resurrection always leads us into healthier and greener pastures? 

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Honolulu