Back to NewsA reflection by Sister Gemma Pires, US Unit of Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our response to Pope Francis call, to add care for the environment to the Gospel-inspired works of mercy that we are called to perform.
Laudato Si is rooted in the Church’s social teachings. It draws attention to the grave ecological crisis that humanity has created. A moral clarion call for urgent action is to protect Earth from ruin. It is also a “moral charter” for sustainable development goals.
Martin Buber stated, “Whoever relates to the Earth, only as something to be ‘used,’ relates to God the same way.” Thomas Aquinas declared, “If we don’t understand creation correctly, we can’t understand God.” Pope Francis believes, “Climate change is caused by human activity,” and that environment degradation is related to human and social degradation.
Evidences which we have recently seen include the Republican administration reversal of the Clean Power Plan (EPA). Keystone XL puts at risk communities—First Nations, vulnerable poor, elderly, children—by valuing profits over humans. The pipeline projects provide negligible long term jobs, threatens pure water sources to tribal lands and increases global warming from carbon intensive tar sands. The worst disaster caused in Flint, Mich., was the lead poisoning of drinking water.
Those overwhelmed by illness due to starvation and lack of healthcare need our Earth community to be the conscience’s last refuge for generous almsgiving. One person’s affluent lifestyle is another’s bleak poverty.
Francis declares: “We’re faced with a complex crisis, both social and environmental. This demands an integral approach, to combat poverty and protect the environment. Climate change is the most pressing change we’ve ever faced. Numberless communities are impacted by the pollution of air, water and its effects on future generations. Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, stronger storms, increased drought, cause food and water shortage. Illness and fatalities threaten human life, mostly affecting the poor.”
The Earth community is a ‘web of relationships’ globally and we share in the oneness of God and creation. We welcome the stranger, for we see the face of Jesus in the suffering and fearful immigrants. Aware of the needs of prisoners, we reflect God’s mercy, perhaps becoming a pen-pal with someone outside our comfort zone. Sites such as www.writeaprisoner.com or www.friendsbeyondthewall.com allow messages to be sent electronically or by post.
Changes in moral perception are needed, calling us to a mutual relationship between humanity and care for our common home.