January 31st

Faithful Stewards of the Earth

On January 21 Arnold Kukanu shared as part of the sermon during the Sunday morning worship at Holyrood Mennonite Church. Arnold has an interest in climate change, and was among 5 young people from MCA who attended the “Living Hope” climate event hosted by Mennonite Church Manitoba last April. His sharing built off the story of Jesus calling disciples as is recorded in Mark 1:16-20.

Our planet is facing an unprecedented threat that demands our immediate attention and action. Today, I want to draw inspiration from a powerful metaphor found in the Bible - Mark chapter I verses 16 to 19- to emphasize the importance of dropping everything and addressing the pressing issue of climate change. 

In the biblical narrative, Jesus approaches four fishermen-Simon, Andrew, James, and John-urging them to drop their nets and follow him. This call to action was a pivotal moment that changed the course of their lives. Similarly, we find ourselves at a crossroads where we must make hard decisions to address the urgent climate crisis. 

Just as the fishermen left their nets behind to embark on a new journey, we must be prepared to leave behind the old ways that have led us to this environmental crisis. This means transitioning to renewable energy sources, adopting sustainable practices in agriculture and industry, and rethinking our consumer habits. It requires a collective effort on a global scale. 

The urgency of this crisis is reflected in the undeniable evidence we see around us - from devastating wildfires and hurricanes to the shrinking habitats of countless species. We are not just witnessing the effects; we are experiencing them first hand. Like the fishermen who couldn’t ignore the call of Jesus, we cannot turn a blind eye to the signs of a planet in distress. 

The story of the Four Fishermen Called as Disciples teaches us that when faced with a critical moment, we must be willing to prioritize what truly matters. Our shared home, Earth, is in need of our attention and commitment. We cannot afford to delay any longer. 

In dropping everything for the urgent climate crisis, we are not just saving the environment; we are securing a better future for generations to come. The choices we make today will pay off through time, shaping the world our children and grandchildren inherit. We owe it to them to act with urgency and determination.  

Let us draw inspiration from the courage of those fishermen who took a leap of faith into the unknown. By dropping everything for the urgent climate crisis, we can create a sustainable and resilient future. It is a call that transcends borders, ideologies, and differences - a call that unites us in our shared responsibility to protect our planet.

Together, let us answer the call and take bold steps towards a more sustainable and precious connection with nature. The time to act is now, and by dropping everything for the urgent climate crisis, we can be the stewards of a healthier, greener, and more vibrant world. 

Mark 1:16-20
16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)