Campus Ministry
Happy Earth Day
By Meg Maloney, University of Dayton '18
“In the Judaeo-Christian tradition, the word “creation” has a broader meaning than “nature”, for it has to do with God’s loving plan in which every creature has its own value and significance. Nature is usually seen as a system which can be studied, understood and controlled, whereas creation can only be understood as a gift from the outstretched hand of the Father of all, and as a reality illuminated by the love which calls us together into universal communion.” – Pope Francis, Laudato Si (76)
In Pope Francis’ most recent encyclical, Laudato Si, Francis calls on us as Christians to care for our common home (the
environment). Our natural world is a wonderful gift from God, and it is our duty as Christians to protect it. With warming global climate and more erratic climate behavior, millions are suffering from the effects of climate change. At times, this seems bleak, but the global Christian community is powerful, large, and faithful. With a small step every day, our combined actions can help us care for our common home. These steps can include walking or riding a bike instead of driving a car, buying food from local farmers, being more conscious of your waste, and ensuring you recycle when possible. These steps may seem insignificant, but Francis reminds us that if each person starts caring for our common home, we can make a huge difference.
Part of being environmentally responsible stretches beyond our physical environment, it is rooted in social justice. Francis
describes in his encyclical that the poor are the ones who see and feel the negative effects of climate change, and it is our duty to live more sustainably to help care for the poor. While we cannot always see the impact of our culture’s irresponsibility towards to the environment, people across the world can feel it. This call today is not supposed to make us feel guilty, as we should rejoice in the opportunity we have to make a difference.