Pathways, August 2010
The celebration of the Eucharist is intrinsically linked to the way we think, feel and act towards creation, says theologian Father Denis Edwards.
"What does the Eucharist have to do with ecological conversion," asked Father Denis Edwards in opening his presentation on 'Ecology and Eucharist' at CRA's National Assembly in Hobart 28 June-2 July.
He says all creation comes to the altar in the bread and wine when Christian people give thanks to God through the Eucharist.
"The sharing of the bread and wine is ground in the Earth and its fruits. Crops and vineyards, sunshine and rain, the Earth's bounty and its living creatures are represented in bread and wine and forever linked to Christ as the signs through which he bestows himself.
"As Pope Benedict XVI said in 'The Sacrament of Love', "the Christian people, in giving thanks to God through the Eucharist, should be conscious that they do so in the name of all creation, aspiring to the sanctification of the world and working intensely to that end.
"So there is a profound inter-connection between Eucharistic practice and commitment to the Earth and ecological conversion."
"Our Eucharistic prayers are based on Jewish prayers that begin with a blessing for the gifts of creation. Fruit of the Earth and work of human hands; all creation rightly gives you praise (third Eucharistic Prayer); in the name of every creature under heaven, we too praise your glory (fourth Eucharistic Prayer)."
He says the gifts of creation are lifted up to God and the Spirit is invoked to transform the gifts, and the assembled community, into the Body of Christ.
"In this communion with God and communion with the Earth, we are led beyond ourselves to care for the community and for the planet. Wilfully contributing to species destruction or to global warming is ultimately a denial of what we celebrate when we gather for Eucharist.
"Participating at the Eucharistic table is a turning towards a love for our planet and all its creatures as the gift of God. It is a memorial thanksgiving for creation and redemption.
Father Denis says that in Eucharist we are also in solidarity with those suffering, including those caught up in ecological disaster.
"The Eucharist, as a living memory of all those who suffer, calls Christians to solidarity with human victims and with animals and plants that are destroyed or threatened.
"In Eucharist we gather in solidarity with Christians in Kiribati, Bangladesh, India, China and around the Earth — and with those of other faiths.
"We remember those displaced from their homes and the threat to millions of others. We are mindful of our wealth created by coal, of our use of motor vehicles and planes. We pray in solidarity with the global community, that our Eucharist may "advance the peace and salvation of all the world" (third Eucharistic Prayer).
In conclusion, Father Denis challenged delegates to think of ways more ecological meaning could be included in Church symbols and rituals.
"How can our celebrations better manifest and highlight the ecological meaning already inherent in the Eucharistic symbols," Father Denis asked.
"How might they better reveal the theological truth that in the Eucharist we keep memorial of God's work of creation as well as God's work of redemption."
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