By Sister Susan Chase, SCL
The theme for this year’s Season of Creation, September 1 through October 4, 2026, is taken from chapter 47 of the book of the prophet Ezekiel from the Old Testament. I am indebted to the Season of Creation 2026 planning committee for their background materials, which I have adapted in the following reflection.
The prophet Ezekiel describes a vision he was given during a time of catastrophic loss for the people of Israel. During the 6c. BCE, the armies of Babylon have invaded and destroyed Jerusalem. The Temple of Solomon, God’s dwelling place with Israel, has been razed to the ground. Many of the people, including the elite classes as well as craftsmen, have been captured and deported into exile to Babylon. In the 30th year of captivity, the priest Ezekiel is chosen by God to serve as prophet, God’s spokesperson.
The text selected for prayer and reflection (Ezek. 47:9,12) describes Ezekiel’s God-given vision of the power of living water flowing from the sanctuary of the Temple. This water has the power to restore, to renew, to heal.
The symbol chosen for this year’s celebration depicts water, Living water, that supports life, flowing from the place of prayer and sacrifice, the Temple of God. In Ezekiel’s vision, the Temple of God is a future, idealized temple. A place of Divine Presence. Ezekiel is shown the water as it begins to flow from under the Temple gate. The flow of water begins as just a trickle of fresh water. Yet as it flows, it deepens, becoming an ever-deepening river that moves through barren, lifeless places toward the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea symbolized Death: no fish, no plants, no outflow. The Dead Sea: a basin of salt water, sterile, stagnant. As the unstoppable river of Living Water flows, it heals, restores, and makes whole. Ezekiel’s claim that this salt sea becomes fresh water, full of life, is shocking. This is deliberate on Ezekiel’s part. This cannot happen naturally. It happens by divine healing.
“Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where this water flows everything will live.” (Ezek. 47:9)
In Ezekiel’s vision, he is invited into the water as it flows and deepens. As it deepens, it brings new life to dead areas and restores fertility to damaged or even barren ecosystems. Through living water comes healing, but to receive new life, we too must step into the water and become part of God’s River of Life, taking part in the healing of creation. We are reminded of our responsibility to be good stewards of creation. We are invited to immerse ourselves in the living water and to utilize its healing, whole-making power for the common good of God’s people and God’s creation.
Consider joining us at Marilac Center for one of the following events:
Season of Creation: Living Waters (Ezekiel 47)
September 10, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Marillac Assembly
Sister Susan Chase, SCL
Living waters flow . . . healing and renewing land, seas, and our responsibility toward creation. Waters flow, as a tiny stream that deepens, bringing life to dead areas and restoring ecosystems. We examine Ezekiel’s call to global restoration of life, ecological healing, the interdependence of humanity and the natural world, bringing hope for both humanity and creation.
Registration for Season of Creation: Living Waters (Ezekiel 47)
September 10, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Good Conversations: Holy Voices
September 15, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Marillac Assembly
Fr. Kevin Cullen, SJ
Continuing in Synodality, we listen to the voices that call us to the path of holiness as we live out the Gospel call. We are wonderfully surprised to hear the voice of our Churches, our neighbors, and our own voices calling us into a deeper way of life together. And we are invited to hear Josephine Bakhita, Nicholas Black Elk, Julia Greeley, Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, and Thea Bowman, people on the road to canonization.
Registration for Good Conversations: Holy Voices
September 15, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Beloved Discipleship: Johannine Gospel
Monday, October 12 (4 p.m.) – Sunday, October 18 (4 p.m. – Mass)
This event is held in Ross Chapel
Sr. Mary McGlone, CSJ
The Beloved Discipleship Retreat will examine the Gospel of John as the way to enter the call we each have to become beloved disciples of Jesus in today’s world. The rhythm of prayer will include times for silence, personal prayer, and individual accompaniment if requested.
Registration for Beloved Discipleship: Johannine Gospel
October 12-18, 2026
