Pope Francis designated May 24, 2020 through May 24, 2021 as Laudato Sí Year to commemorate the fifth anniversary of his landmark encyclical on the care for our common home. The Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4) seems to be an appropriate time to initiate this opportunity for weekly reflection on excerpts from Laudato Sí.
“Praise be to you, my Lord.” In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs” (LS #1).
Reflection: Notice the beauty of God’s creation this week. Do you think of planet Earth as a mother who nourishes you physically through her fruits, vegetables and wheat? Do you realize how often Mother Earth tends to your spirit through sunny days, a swim in the ocean, the smell of flowers, a beautiful sunset? How can you deepen your appreciation for the natural world? What gifts of Mother Earth do you most appreciate?