Hope in a Time of Poverty: Environmental Justice
Reflectionson Poverty Prepared by the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development
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I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. ~Ezekiel 36: 24-26
Creation is a gift. Creation gives glory to God, and in making wise use of it, the human family is built up. In looking after the environment, we care for our neighbor and pass on a gift to generations to come.
Creation is the great space where we live out our relationship with God and neighbor. As part of a life of gratitude to God for this gift and of justice towards our neighbor, we are called to build communities that are sustainable, respectful of creation and that promote the development of all. Sustainable communities are healthy, safe for our children, and by making prudent use of natural resources, are home to economic development that creates good paying wage jobs.
Today
the gift of creation is threatened by excessive lifestyles and a lack of
respect for the sacredness of creation and the dignity of our neighbor. We
prize what Pope Francis calls a "culture of waste" over a culture of
conservation and virtuous moderation. As Catholics, we should reject an economy that puts profit and unrestrained
consumption ahead of the good of communities and the environment. We
desperately need to rethink the path we are travelling together.Whenever we
fail to care for creation and for our brothers and sisters, the way is opened
to destruction and hearts are hardened.
~Pope Francis, Inaugural Homily
The consequences of a "culture of waste" and a "more is better" economy are serious. Poor and vulnerable communities shoulder the biggest burden as they are threatened by climate change: drought, famine and other natural calamities take a toll on them. Children, especially those in the womb, are put in danger by pollutants in the environment. Competition for natural resources makes it more difficult for already struggling families to get food on the table and keep homes warm in the winter.
The covenant between human beings and the environment needs
to be strengthened. To do this, we should seek the wisdom that comes from
prayer and a desire to stand in solidarity with our neighbor. As the bishops
have said, first "we need a change of heart to preserve and protect the
planet for our children and for generations yet unborn."[1]
By taking a fresh look at our lifestyles and choosing to live simply, we can reduce our carbon footprint and build communities in balance and in harmony with God's gift of creation. Personal and societal decisions should always reflect concern for "the least of these." The development of new, sustainable types of energy holds much promise for contributing to our economy through the creation of "green jobs." It is also important to support policies that protect human life and dignity through prudent stewardship of the environment.
Take up Pope Francis' challenge to be protectors of creation: "I would like to ask …all men and women of goodwill: let us be 'protectors' of creation, protectors of God's plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment."[2]
[1] USCCB, Renewing the Earth, 1991, i-d.
[2] Francis, Homily at Mass for the Inauguration of the Pontificate, 19 March 2013.
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Questions for Spiritual Reflection in the Parish or in Small Groups
- How have you experienced God's creation as a gift? Spend a few moments in gratitude for the gift of creation. Then consider: where do you see a "culture of waste" which threatens God's creation?
- How is protecting creation connected with our concern for "the least of these"?
- What communities are
you part of? (e.g. family, parish, school, town, etc.) What ideas do you
have for making these communities more sustainable?