It may seem as though it is something new for some of us, but our readings this morning show us that being in tune with our natural environment has been very much a part of our spiritual heritage right from the start.

In pain and in redemption, we are connected and interconnected with all creation. The world is groaning because of us, and we are groaning because our life is hard; God the Son groaned in agony in the garden and on the cross; and the Spirit of God continues to groan within us. All of us are groaning: humanity, God and all creation. But our groaning is not futile. It tells us we are in labour.