By Katie Beckmann Mahon, Communications Manager
This week’s “Embracing Faith” article will focus on Embracing Faith through Advocacy.
“The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;
you founded the world and all that is in it.” -Psalm 89:11
Covid-19 has brought a tremendous change to our lives.
Many people have been infected with this virus, while others have lost loved ones. Some are facing financial hardship due to this pandemic, while others continue to struggle with accepting this “new normal.”
As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, it is essential to highlights milestones, such as the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’ Week, along with Pope Francis’ call to prioritize advocacy for climate change action and environmentalism.
Last Sunday, Pope Francis shared, “in this time marked by the pandemic we are more aware of the importance of caring for our common home” and invited us to think about “a shared commitment to help build and strengthen constructive attitudes aimed at caring for Creation.” (1)
As the world faces this global pandemic together, as well as the additional threat of climate change, the Laudato Si’ Week theme of “everything is connected” is especially meaningful. (2)
First observed in 2015, Pope Francis hoped that Laudato Si’ would be an “inspiration during moments of difficulty” and that “it encourages us to reflect on the values we share and create a more just and sustainable future.” (2)
In the full publication of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis shared his views on care for our common home. (3)
1. “LAUDATO SI’, mi’ Signore” – “Praise be to you, my Lord.” In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs.”[1] (3)
2. This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will. The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air, and in all forms of life. This is why the earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor; she “groans in travail” (Rom 8:22). We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth (cf. Gen 2:7); our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air, and we receive life and refreshment from her waters. (3)
To read the entire Laudato Si’ publication, click here.