CARE FOR CREATION
October 29, 2023
Laudate Deum calls for Urgent Multilateral Action as well as Universal Individual Conversion of Heart
My personal efforts on behalf of the environment are paltry in comparison to what can be achieved by nations and states, is it even worth the effort?
Pope Francis, in the Apostolic Exhortation, Laudate Deum, says YES!
In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis writes about both the critical need for multilateral responses among nations and the relevance of individual action. Laudate Deum continues the teaching of Laudato Si’ that everything is connected. “Human beings, endowed with intelligence, must respect the laws of nature and the delicate equilibria existing between the creatures of this world.” (LS 68) No facet of creation exists in isolation. Pope Francis cites scripture from both the Old and New Testaments to demonstrate the interconnectedness of all and of God’s intent that it be this way.
While calling for a globally agreed upon, “efficient, obligatory and readily monitored” (LD 59) energy transition, Francis teaches that “there are no lasting changes without cultural changes…and no cultural changes without personal changes.” (LD 70)
In other words, the Pontiff teaches that mandatory rules by governing authorities are not the full solution to the climate crisis. A universal conversion of heart to the interdependence of all beings, human and otherwise, will ensure continuing agreement on change for the survival of all. Only a commitment by each individual and family and community will inform current and future authorities of the “transformation rising from deep within society” (LD 71)demanding action for the common good in all circumstances.
In section 71, near the close of Laudate Deum, Pope Francis acknowledges and endorses the importance of individual action by pointing out that adaptation is happening in households and communities and that these changes are “contributing to greater concern about the unfulfilled responsibilities of the political sectors and indignation at the lack of interest shown by the powerful.” (LD 71) He goes on to note that even though our personal contributions are not enough to make a measurable difference in global emissions, our actions are the necessary beginning to cultural change.
To get a taste of Pope Francis’ heart-felt message in this follow-up to Laudato Si’, read Chapter 6 of Laudate Deum, you may find personal inspiration in his writing.
October 29, 2023
Laudate Deum calls for Urgent Multilateral Action as well as Universal Individual Conversion of Heart
My personal efforts on behalf of the environment are paltry in comparison to what can be achieved by nations and states, is it even worth the effort?
Pope Francis, in the Apostolic Exhortation, Laudate Deum, says YES!
In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis writes about both the critical need for multilateral responses among nations and the relevance of individual action. Laudate Deum continues the teaching of Laudato Si’ that everything is connected. “Human beings, endowed with intelligence, must respect the laws of nature and the delicate equilibria existing between the creatures of this world.” (LS 68) No facet of creation exists in isolation. Pope Francis cites scripture from both the Old and New Testaments to demonstrate the interconnectedness of all and of God’s intent that it be this way.
While calling for a globally agreed upon, “efficient, obligatory and readily monitored” (LD 59) energy transition, Francis teaches that “there are no lasting changes without cultural changes…and no cultural changes without personal changes.” (LD 70)
In other words, the Pontiff teaches that mandatory rules by governing authorities are not the full solution to the climate crisis. A universal conversion of heart to the interdependence of all beings, human and otherwise, will ensure continuing agreement on change for the survival of all. Only a commitment by each individual and family and community will inform current and future authorities of the “transformation rising from deep within society” (LD 71)demanding action for the common good in all circumstances.
In section 71, near the close of Laudate Deum, Pope Francis acknowledges and endorses the importance of individual action by pointing out that adaptation is happening in households and communities and that these changes are “contributing to greater concern about the unfulfilled responsibilities of the political sectors and indignation at the lack of interest shown by the powerful.” (LD 71) He goes on to note that even though our personal contributions are not enough to make a measurable difference in global emissions, our actions are the necessary beginning to cultural change.
To get a taste of Pope Francis’ heart-felt message in this follow-up to Laudato Si’, read Chapter 6 of Laudate Deum, you may find personal inspiration in his writing.