The Gospel teaches us to appreciate the beauty of nature, from the smell of the countryside to the sight of the flowers and the skies. Last week, on Environment Day, we were reminded of the importance of caring for our planet and its resources. It is evident that we are facing environmental changes, with unprecedented temperature fluctuations, shrinking breathable air, and waste polluting our land, seas, rivers, and even space, disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems.
For years, the Church has called on believers and non-believers alike to take environmental issues seriously and work towards restoring the balance of nature. Pope John Paul II made several appeals in the early years of the third millennium, and Pope Francis, with his prophetic voice, has emphasized the need for environmental stewardship. In his 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si,” inspired by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, he urges us to cherish and protect all creation, emphasizing the importance of an integral economy rooted in solidarity with the environment and our fellow beings.
In his poignant and truthful exhortation “Querida Amazonia,” Pope Francis addresses those who exploit the ecological wealth of the Amazon region, calling for responsible stewardship of this vital ecosystem. It is a day for unity in the common cause of preserving our shared home, Earth. Dialogue, prayer, and collaboration are tools that we all have at our disposal to make a positive impact on the environment.
Together, we can make a difference and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Let us heed the call to care for our planet and all its inhabitants, embracing a mindset of stewardship and respect for the gifts of creation. It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve the beauty and diversity of the world around us.