Genesis 9:1-13
Mark 8:27-33
Laudato Si
- Written in June 2015
- Pope Francis’ Papal Encyclical on care for our common home (Planet Earth)
- Named from Saint Francis of
Assisi's 13th-century "Canticle of the Sun" (also called Canticle of the
Creatures), a poem and prayer in which God is praised for the creation of the
different creatures and aspects of the Earth
Top 7 Things You Need To Know about Laudato Si
1.
For
the first time, caring for the earth is seen from a religious/faith perspective
and Laudato Si is NOW added to the body of Catholic Social Teaching
2.
From
now on discussions about ecology can be grounded in Sacred Scripture and Church
Tradition
i. Gospel of Creation
(Chapter 2 - Read It!) – It leads readers on a reflection of scripture for care
of the planet that starting with Genesis
3. Climate change has a disproportionate effect on the poor
(developing countries: Latin American,
Africa and much of Asia)
i. Go to areas near the
Amazon Rain Forest of South America and see the vast devastation that has
happened in the past 50 years (tearing down of the forest)
4. Technology is NOT the key to human existence
i. The dangers of
consumerism (needing every new gadget)
ii. Sometimes we embrace
new technology without thinking about its effects on our planet and its people
(iPad screens)
iii. Christian
spirituality by contrast offers a growth marked by moderation and the capacity
to be happy with little
5.
The
encyclical has a critique of selfishness and indifference
i. Asks: Why are the wealthy turning away from the
poor?
1.
Some
feel they are more worthy of their wealth and status in the world
2.
Decision-makers
are removed from the plight of the poor on the planet with no real physical
connection to their brothers and sisters in poverty
ii. Selfishness leads to
evaporation of the notion of the Common Good (one of the Catholic Church's most
important teachings)
6.
Everything
is connected
i. We are all linked to
creation, we are part of nature, but our decisions about how we treat the earth
have an effect on the future of the planet
7.
This
encyclical is addressed to everyone on the planet
i. Not just 1.2 billion
Catholics, but all 7 billion people on the planet
ii. Calling for an
ecological conversion
iii. Listen to the cry of
the earth and the cry of the poor
What can we do to help save the planet?
1)
Turn off lights
2)
Reduce your use of water (5-10 minute showers
vs. 15-20 minute showers)
3)
Help your family to recycle and compost (paper, plastics,
food)
4)
Start a garden this spring - grow vegetables and fruits
5)
Walk more, drive less
6)
Live more simply
7)
Don’t take more than our fair share
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