Reverencing
These earliest scriptures call us to remember our place as “part of” the intricate web of the whole of creation, rather than as superior. Human mastery ofz the earth (Genesis 1:28) calls us to an intimate understanding of the cycles, rhythms, and workings of creation. Human dominion, as contextualized in the Near East understanding of Kingship (Deut. 17:14-20), literally means that the burden of responsibility for those in our charge is upon us. As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to care for, to know intimately, not to accumulate, not to be estranged from and to sacrifice for the good of all beings on the earth. Jesus used many parables to illustrate the mandate to the steward in charge of the owner’s land --- to act justly, with wisdom and kindness. All of these point towards our original human vocation on this earth --- to honor and live in right relationship with all God’s creation. Right relationship requires being “mindful” of this earthly household we share and how we impact all living things by every human choice and action. Our job is to pay attention to how we share land, water and air with all that has been created and return it unsullied for this generation and seven generations hence.
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