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 23^rd Sunday, Year A (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation): Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: “Creation: A Gift to Protect.”

Readings: Wis 13:1-9; Col 1:15-20; Mt 8:23-27

Dear friends in Christ, the world awoke on the morning of 26 August 2026 to the heartbreaking news of the tragedy in Nepal, where 734 people lost their lives and more than 3,000 remain missing. A catastrophic glacier collapse on the north face of Langtang Lirung in the Himalayas triggered a massive landslide and ice‑rock avalanche. The force of the collapse produced a seismic signal equivalent to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake, unleashing a torrent of water, mud, and debris that swept through the Lhende Khola and Bhote Koshi rivers, devastating communities across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts.

Experts have traced this disaster to the rapid melting of glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region—an alarming consequence of climate change. They warn that similar events are increasingly likely as global temperatures rise, ice masses destabilize, and ecosystems become more fragile. Scientists have repeatedly reminded us that global warming—driven largely by human activities such as industrial processes and chemical emissions—leads to extreme weather, melting ice, rising sea levels, and widespread ecological disruption. Their message is clear: when humanity abuses nature, humanity suffers, as Nepal has painfully shown.

It is precisely this abuse of creation and the danger it poses to human life that moved the Church to dedicate a day like this to prayer and reflection. For this year’s celebration, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, chose the theme: “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (Isaiah 2:4).

The Holy Father’s message highlights the profound link between armed conflict and environmental degradation. War not only destroys human lives; it wounds the earth itself. He explains that the interaction between conflict and ecological damage creates a vicious cycle—destroying ecosystems, contaminating air and water, undermining food security, and fueling poverty, inequality, and social tension. These conditions, in turn, sow the seeds of further conflict. The Holy Father reminds us that “war creates wounds that damage the whole fabric of life” and reveals a deeper failure to live in God’s image, to respect life, and to care for the earth entrusted to us.

Often, when we hear about global warming or environmental destruction, our minds immediately turn to large industries or powerful nations, as though responsibility lies only with them. But the Holy Father’s focus this year invites us to examine our own hearts and relationships. The “wars” we wage—resentment, hostility, division within families, communities, offices, and society; the emotional or physical wounds we inflict; the disregard for human life expressed in support for abortion—these too damage the fabric of life. They weaken our capacity to care for creation, including the human person, who is the crown of God’s handiwork.

The readings of today deepen this reflection. The author of the Book of Wisdom marvels that people, captivated by the beauty and power of created things, fail to recognize the One who fashioned them. Creation is meant to lead us to the Creator. Today’s psalm echoes this truth: the splendour of the universe is only a faint reflection of the infinite beauty of God. In the second reading, St Paul teaches that all things were created through Christ, who is the head of all creation. Everything that exists bears the imprint of God’s wisdom and love.

From these readings, a crucial lesson emerges: If creation is the handiwork of God, then to abuse nature is to offend the Creator. To neglect the beauty of creation is to fail in the mandate God gave humanity—to “till and keep” the earth. Caring for creation is not optional; rather, it is a divine responsibility.

So, what must we do? How can we ensure that we do not contribute to the disfigurement of the world God entrusted to us?

The answer does not begin with protests against large industries—though such advocacy has its place. It begins at home, in our families, communities, and daily habits. When we keep our compounds clean and green; participate in communal sanitation; avoid littering; dispose of waste properly; refrain from building on waterways; and support environmental initiatives, we play our part in protecting creation. Small actions, done consistently, become powerful expressions of stewardship.

Dear friends, the tragedy in Nepal is a sobering reminder that creation is fragile. But it is also a call—a call to conversion, responsibility, and hope. May God grant us the wisdom to care for the earth, the courage to heal the wounds we cause, and the grace to live as true stewards of His beautiful creation.

Peace be with you.

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima