The season is changing… we move from one were we laboured to one where we take stock of all that has grown and ripened… there have been many things which we couldn’t control, some may have brought blessings, some blight… but we can be secure in the knowledge that we have done all that we can to bring life to the things we planted a long time ago. Now is a time to take stock, what has brought forth fruit, what do we need to store ready for the next season, what do we need to dispose of - that which has served its purpose?
O God of Creation, you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons.
We see signs of summer's passing in golden leaves,
shortening days, misty mornings, autumn glow.
We sense its passing in rain that dampens,
winds that chill, Harvest's bounty placed on show.
Creator God, who brings forth
both green shoot and hoar frost,
sunrise and sunset,
we bring our thanks
for seeds that have grown,
harvests gathered,
storehouses filled,
People fed.
And, as your good earth rests
through winter's cold embrace,
we look forward to its re-awakening
when kissed by Spring's first touch.
As we welcome the autumn months,
may the earlier setting of the sun
remind us to take time to rest.
May the brilliant colours of the leaves
remind us of the wonder of your creation.
May the steam of our breath in the cool air remind us that it is you who give us the breath of life.
May the harvest from our labours remind us of the abundance we have been given and bounty we are to share with others.
May the dying of summer's spirit remind us of your great promise that death is temporary and life is eternal.
We praise you for your goodness forever and ever,
Amen
Content adpated from seasonal material on jesuitresource.org