For the past few weeks, the liturgical events in the lectionary related to creation. The event that stood out most was Rogation Days. Rogation Days call Christians beyond the sacred spaces of nave and sanctuary to go out and bless the good earth God has given. Although we no longer celebrate Rogation Days with elaborate festivities, there is still reason for us to observe Rogation days, considering the challenge of climate change. George Herbert describes the aims for observing Rogation Days as:

•To seek God’s blessing for the fields to bear fruit
•To seek the preservation of justice in the boundaries of the parish
•To walk in love with one another and reconcile differences
•To practise mercy and generosity towards the poor from God’s provisions.

In our chapel services, we looked out the window to take in the beauty of the chapel lawns and gardens and the beautiful flower arrangement at the altar. We observed Rogation Day by acknowledging and giving thanks to God for those who tend the school gardens and agreeing to do our part in looking after the gardens. As the hymn writer reminds us, all things bright and beautiful, the Lord God made them all.

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all.

The vygie and the thorn trees
The laughing turtle doves
The kudus of the bushveld
are made by God above

The rugged Drakensberge
The Klein en Groot Karoo
The bushveld and the forest
The coast and ocean blue

May we continue to give thanks to God for the beauty that surrounds us.

REVD RAKGADI KHOBO
CHAPLAIN