Ecology is a collective asset, a heritage of humanity for which we are all responsible.
Earth, which is not only our home but also God’s, must be defended as holy ground. That’s why we need to build a common project against the threats to our environment. As a Daughter of the Holy Spirit family, our Rule of Life tells us that: “Daily life is our first place of formation. The Spirit educates us and leads us through the realities of life. The Spirit forms us through the life of the human and Christian communities to which we belong, particularly through our commitments to others” (RL art 39). Each and every one of us must commit to loving, appreciating and caring for this magnificent gift that is Earth. In the document * Dilexit nos – n° 34, we are told that: “Christ didn’t want to explain much about his love for us, but he manifested it through his actions. He is always searching, always close, open to encounter.”
Reflection
– How can I be attentive to life around me?
– How can I develop an attitude of freedom, filial trust, simplicity, and humility in my relationship with GOD, with others and with Creation?
– How can I educate those around me to be ecologically aware and respectful of life?
– How do I take responsibility for my own human and spiritual formation, and what means do I give myself to continue growing in my love for God and for others?
Concrete activities
Protecting the environment means acting to limit the impact of human activities on the planet, the environment and the climate. In this Lenten season: take the time to keep the room clean, the places around me clean, turn off lights, unplug appliances after use, plant a tree and take care of it, sort and recycle, close the door gently, right against food waste, limit water consumption and recover water from dishes, opt for an eco-responsible bank, fight against digital pollution… etc. “Taking care of nature means taking care of ourselves”.
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, we thank you for the wonders you never cease to accomplish in our lives. We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, that from your holy Heart, these rivers of living water will gush forth for the world, strengthening our capacity to love and serve, urging us to learn to walk together towards a just, united and fraternal world. Holy Spirit, give us all growth and spiritual fruitfulness. Renew our hearts and the face of the earth, so that all may have life and life in abundance. Amen
Lent: week 4
Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation
Laudato si Commission : Sr. Clémentine TAPSOBA, Burkina Fas – Publié le 29 mars
* Dilexit nos (‘He loved us’) is Pope Francis’ fourth encyclical, published on 24 October 2024.
It focuses on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.