The Season of Creation 2024 focuses on the theme, “To hope and act with Creation,” calling people worldwide to unite hope and action for the Earth’s well-being. This year’s symbol, “the firstfruits of hope,” is inspired by the biblical image of creation groaning in childbirth, awaiting renewal. The guiding scripture comes from the Book of Romans (Rom 8:19-25), where St. Paul describes creation’s eager anticipation for the revelation of the children of God.

A groaning earth

The image of creation groaning, like a mother in labor, draws attention to the deep wounds we’ve inflicted on the Earth through our irresponsible actions. The climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and human suffering all point to an imbalanced relationship with nature, which is too often treated as a resource rather than a gift. As St. Francis of Assisi reminds us in his Canticle of the Creatures, the Earth is both our sister and mother. To receive her care, we must care for her in return.

Yet, creation’s cry is not only one of pain, but also of hope. Just as labor pains signal the birth of new life, the Earth’s suffering invites us to act and hope for a better future.

Active hope and the firstfruits of hope

Christian hope is not passive or superficial. It is not merely about optimism or waiting for a utopia but about engaging in concrete action. To “hope” means to act—to transform pain and suffering into visible signs of change. As St. Paul tells us, “hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:4), but it demands perseverance and patience.

The “firstfruits of hope” emerge when we work together to restore peace and harmony, not just among ourselves but with all creation. Actions like supporting the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty are tangible examples of hope coming to life. This treaty is a critical step toward a sustainable future and a real response to the ecological crisis.

The urgency of change

We are living in a time of urgency. Ecological conversion—a profound transformation of heart and mind—is difficult but unavoidable. Collective efforts toward sustainability and environmental justice are crucial signs of hope. Hope and action are inseparable; action springs from hope, and hope thrives through action.

The voices of the Earth and the poor must be heard. Communities displaced by climate change, indigenous populations, endangered species, and ecosystems at risk—all of these call us to a renewed respect for creation. Ecological justice is an essential part of our faith.

A call to action

The Season of Creation 2024 invites us to both reflect and act. It urges us to see creation as a part of God’s revelation, to respond to its groans with sustainable, concrete actions, and to embrace our responsibility as stewards of the Earth. Hope and action must move together. While we hope for a better world, we must act to make it a reality. Our actions—no matter how small—are the firstfruits of a greater hope, paving the way for a more just and sustainable future for all creation.

Discover more and share your Season of Creation activity here: https://seasonofcreation.org/

The partners participating in this initiative include: Anglican Communion Environmental Network, Integral human development, Dicasterium pro communicatione, A Rocha, Actalliance, European Christian Environmental Network, Lausanne/WEA Creation Care Network, Movimento Laudato Si’, The Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches, World Council of Churches, The middle east council of churches, World methodist council, Centrumjp2, Comunidad de Vida Cristiana,  Comisión Diocesana de Ecología Integral, Guías Argentinas Católicas, Creation Justice Ministries, Cebi, Acción Católica Argentina, Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII, Catolicos en red, Arquidiocese de Braga, Vatican news, Radio vaticana, Alfa&Omega, Aica, Aleteia, Exaudi, L’osservatore romano, The pope video, Pray as you go, Religion digital