Monthly Reflection: September 2026
This month's reflection comes from Ben Wilson, SCIAF's Director of Public Enagagement.
"Everything is interconnected, and this invites us to develop a spirituality of that global solidarity which flows from the mystery of the Trinity."
Laudato Si’, 240
In Laudato Si’, the late Holy Father puts forward a profound vision of an interconnected world. Just as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit exist together as one, in intrinsic relationship with one another, so too does humanity live in constant relationship with one another, with nature, and with God.
This September, until the Feast Day of St Francis on the 4th October, the Season of Creation is a time to reflect on these relationships and discern what God is calling on us to do to nurture them.
This Autumn, that reflection feels more urgent than ever.
Summer 2026 has seen record breaking weather across the world. Close to home and in the countries SCIAF works in, people have faced soaring temperatures, devastating wildfires, drought and floods. Harvests have been damaged and livelihoods disrupted, while communities already struggling with poverty have suffered most. Increasing scarcity of water and soaring food costs have pushed many families to the brink.
Our faith teaches us that we should treat all people as our brothers and sisters, fellow children of God. The climate crisis reminds us in such a profound way of this deep connection to each other, as all of humanity must come together to pass on a better world to our children. Yet whilst we are all in the same storm, we are not all in the same boat. By helping others to weather the storms of climate change, at home via the food bank or overseas by giving to SCIAF, we become channels of God’s love.
This Season of Creation, let us pray that our hearts may become like living water: letting our compassion to pour out through our actions, renewing the face of the earth.
All powerful God,
you are present in the universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with your peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned
and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
The Prayer for Our Earth (extract), Pope Francis
Pray with us
People and communities across our world, especially those facing hunger, drought, floods and climate-related disasters.
SCIAF’s church partners across the world, who like the emergency services here in Scotland, put their lives on the line to serve others
Our political and community leaders, who are called to act with courage and wisdom, putting in place policies that protect the poorest and safeguard the lives of future generations.
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