The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
306 God is the sovereign master of his plan. But to carry it out he also makes use of his creatures’ co-operation. This use is not a sign of weakness, but rather a token of almighty God’s greatness and goodness. For God grants his creatures not only their existence, but also the dignity of acting on their own, of being causes and principles for each other, and thus of co-operating in the accomplishment of his plan.
In short, God alone created the universe in a way we humans cannot, but still God’s providence can act through us, when we create in free cooperation with God’s plans.
This is a particularly creative time for us in Oddwalk. Together we are writing a book of prayer services, while at the same time helping the NFCYM create something new and exciting for NCYC – more on that soon – later, but soon. Orin continues to have music accepted for publication at WLP, and is arranging some Jewish music for a friend whose high school chorus was recently invited to sing at MMEA – the Missouri Music Educators Association’s annual conference.
This may all sound like a bit of bragging – we don’t mean it to be. It’s just that, other than the times when we are recording music or getting a songbook ready, we don’t usually have creative chunks of time like this. And, when paired with this particular bit of the CCC, it’s a joy for us to be part of God’s ongoing creation – to make more known God’s great glory and to help bring people into God’s salvific activity.
What is it that you are doing these days, using the creative gifts given you, at the service of God and the Church? Creativity is not always as obvious as writing a book or a song, or painting or sculpting. Maybe you have a talent to create events at your Church to help build community. Maybe you’re a tech wiz and can create videos for a ministry of your parish that needs help getting the word out. It’s always worth a bit of self-examination – take a moment right now to consider how your gifts of creativity and creation can help build God’s Kingdom on earth!