The choices we make affect the lives of others

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The choices we make affect the lives of others
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What is happening to the earth indicates that
we must think beyond local and national interests
and define the community in global terms. The
way we live and the choices we make affect the
lives of others not only human life, in fact,
but also the other forms of life found on
earth.
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Earth at its beginning was for all in common,
it was meant for rich and poor alike what
right have you to monopolise the soil? Nature
knows nothing of the rich all are poor when she
brings them forth. St Ambrose of Milan
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What have we done to the earth?
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The natural world is made up of many different
delicate and intricately interconnected cycles
that have nurtured and sustained life for
millions of years, giving fertile soil, clean
water and a pure atmosphere. Now these
life-sustaining mechanisms are breaking down
through pollution and abuse.
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I shall make a treaty for them with the wild
animals, with the birds of heaven and the
creeping things of the earth I
shall break the bow and the sword and warfare,
and banish them from the country, and I will let
them sleep secure. I shall betroth you to myself
for ever, I shall betroth you in uprightness and
justice, and faithful love and tenderness.... Hos
ea 218-22
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We must protect creation for the future
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The plight of the earth demonstrates that an
individualistic materialism cannot be allowed to
drive out responsibility and love, and that care
for those in need, and respect for the rights
of future generations, are necessary to
sustain a proper life for all.
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Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are
stilled with light. Earth teach me suffering as
old stones suffer with memory. Earth teach me
humility as blossoms are humbled with
beginning. Earth teach me caring as the mother
who secures her young. Earth teach me courage as
the tree which stands all alone. Earth teach me
limitations as the ant which crawls on the
ground... Traditional Ute Prayer (native North
American)
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God calls us to renew the face of the earth
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Human beings are created in the image of God,
and have the special gift and challenge of
sharing in God's creative activity. We use, and
by using we transform, the natural world. As
'co-creators', then, our acts should reflect
God's own love for creation. We ourselves
are part of creation, formed out of the earth,
and dependent on the rest of creation for
our continued existence
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Look to this day for it is life, the very breath
of life... for yesterday is already a dream and
tomorrow is only a vision. But today, well lived,
makes yesterday a dream of happiness and every
tomorrow a dream of hope. Look well, therefore,
to this day. Ancient Sanskrit poem
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We work with creation, not against it
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We are called to reflect on our individual
roles and purposes in life and ask ourselves what
we need to develop our human qualities, to grow
in love of God and neighbour. In a context of
environmental justice, this reflection will allow
us to make serious choices including the choice
not to consume what we do not need and, above
all, what is likely to harm others.
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Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars
in the sky. Earth teach me resignation as the
leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me
regeneration as the seed which rises in the
spring. Earth teach me to forget myself as snow
forgets its life. Earth teach me to remember
kindness as dry fields weep with
rain. Traditional Ute Prayer (native North
American)
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Through your goodness we have this bread to offer
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In the Eucharist we, the priestly people, the
Church, are empowered to transform and use what
we have been given. This act of transformation
is a sacred act. But it is for all, to
nourish all, for the life
and salvation of all.
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"men and women are led to regard the environment
as a marvel to be pondered and respected rather
than a commodity for mere consumption. It is
incumbent upon religious people to demonstrate
that it is possible to find joy in living simply
and modestly, generously sharing ones surplus
with those suffering from want." Pope
Benedict XVI, July 2008
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Photographs by Agency, Annie Bungeroth, Eleanor
Church