In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Dedication of St John Lateran Basilica in Rome. The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral where the pope carries out his religious responsibilities. The Lateran Basilica has been called the mother of all churches of Rome and the world. Every bishop has a cathedral, and the Basilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of Pope Francis.
Today on Day Three of Treaties Recognition Week, we reflect on Celebrating Life and Creation. We listen today to the words of Metis artist Christi Belcourt, whose work is a celebration of life and creation. She says:
“The land is only ours insomuch as it also belongs to all the creatures and plants that share it with us – but in reality the land owns itself. Even when there is no human settlement on a section of land – that land is not ‘empty’ – it is teaming with life… and with purpose”
Let us all thank God for the gift of life and consider in our hearts, what aspects of our lives and our world we would include in a message of thanksgiving as we pray the Treaty Week Prayer
Let us remember that Indigenous peoples gently walked this land,
Let us remember that Treaties are promises.
Let us respect those promises. Let us remember all of the promises in our lives.
Let us remember that bullying causes pain and hurt.
Let us remember to be kind to everyone.
Let us remember to stick up for someone who is being bullied.
Let us remember to treat others the way we want to be treated.
Let us remember to love our neighbours.
Amen.
We close in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.