“Creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God.” It “groans in labor pains” until that day comes, when there will be a “new heaven and a new earth.” Creation will be renewed, not destroyed. It’s linked to our destiny, St. Paul writes in his Letter to the Romans. (Romans 8: 18-24)

Paul’s message is found in the Apostles’ Creed: “I look forward to the resurrection of the body and the life of the world to come.” Creation shares in the glory of a world to come.

Deer approach the Cross in the great mural in the church of St. John Lateran in Rome.(above) They’re not just representing our thirst for God. “Like the deer that longs for running streams, so my soul thirsts for you, my God.” (Psalm 4) The Spirit calls living creatures and inanimate creation to share in the promise made to us. Creation “groans” and shares in “the sufferings of the present time”, as it waits for the promise to be fulfilled.

The Jewish scriptures, especially the psalms, recognize God’s promise to creation, often inviting the earth to sing with us:

“Cry out with joy, all the earth. 

Serve the Lord with gladness. 

Come before him singing for joy.”  (Psalm 100)