Just Thoughts
"We must be the
change we wish to see in the world."
Gandhi
In his encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope
Francis called for a global effort to combat climate change. This week and next, representatives from over
190 countries are attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in
Paris to discuss actions which could ultimately result in less greenhouse gas
emissions that harm our planet, causing rising sea levels and temperatures with
potentially devastating effects around the world. Pope Francis wrote,"A global consensus
is essential for confronting the deeper problems, which cannot be resolved by
unilateral actions on the part of individual countries."
While heads of state, representatives
of nations, scientists and others address this critical issue, Pope Francis
reminds us,"Living our vocation to be protectors of God's handiwork is
essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or secondary aspect of our
Christian experience." (217). We
all have a stake in and responsibility to care for our planet Earth. Following
are 4 challenges from Pope Francis' encyclical prepared by the Archdiocese of
Washington that are especially appropriate during this Advent season of waiting
and reflecting.
1. Celebrate
Beauty - "See nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us
and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness...The world is a
joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise." Action: Take time to be outside! Find
the natural beauty in your community, and in doing so offer thanks to God for
the beauty of all created things, including one another."
2. Live
in a Global Community - "We must regain the conviction that we need
one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and
that being good and decent are worth it." (229). Action: Make a commitment this week to
serve the needs of the poor in a concrete way."
3. Slow
Down & Unplug - "Inner peace is closely related to care for
ecology and for the common good because, lived out authentically, it is
reflected in a balanced lifestyle together with a capacity for wonder which
takes us to a deeper understanding of life. Nature is filled with words of
love, but how can we listen to them amid constant noise..." (225). Action:
Find time each day, especially on Sunday's, for quiet moments to talk with and
listen to God.
4. Practice
Small Acts of Love - "St. Therese of Lisieux invites us to practice
the little way of love, not to miss out on a kind word, a smile or any small
gesture which sows peace and friendship. An integral ecology is also made up of
simple daily gestures which break with the logic of violence, exploitation and
selfishness." (230). Action:
Practice a new small act of love as a way of living solidarity with those most
in need and being a more responsible steward of God's gifts. For example, reuse
& recycle, reduce water consumption & electricity use, avoid using
plastic bottles and bags.
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