There are some people in the Church that protest that in working to restore and protect God's Creation, we are actually working on a "liberal" cause that is not worth our time. We need to take the politics out of caring for creation.
We are called to this work. We are charged with this work in Genesis Chapter 2, when Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden "to till it and keep it." Once Adam is given this task, Eve is created as his partner. We are all partners in the tilling and the keeping of the garden – this great creation that we live in.
As we are charged to till and keep the garden, we are also charged to care for the most vulnerable. When we work for eco-justice – justice for creation and all those who live in it – we are working for the most vulnerable.
As climate change continues to have a greater impact on those living in poverty, we are reminded of Jesus's call to care for "the least of these" (Matthew 25).
As people who depend heavily on their physical surroundings for their livelihood have less and less water in Sub-Saharan Africa, we are called to work for eco-justice.
As hazardous and toxic waste sites are more frequently placed in communities of color and poverty stricken communities, we are called to work for eco-justice.
As 17 million American households are "food insecure," though the average American throws away 1400 calories of food day, we are called to work for eco-justice.
Let us remember these calls to till and keep the garden and work for justice for all. Further, in this Advent season let us be filled with hope for what we can do together for God's earth.