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.
Pope Francis’s Laudato Sí #14: I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all. The worldwide ecological movement has already made considerable progress and led to the establishment of numerous organizations committed to raising awareness of these challenges. Regrettably, many efforts to seek concrete solutions to the environmental crisis have proved ineffective, not only because of powerful opposition but also because of a more general lack of interest. Obstructionist attitudes, even on the part of believers, can range from denial of the problem to indifference, nonchalant resignation or blind confidence in technical solutions. We require a new and universal solidarity.
Reflection: Use this excerpt as a springboard for dialogue with your family or friends. Pope Francis suggests an examination of conscience here. Where do you notice indifference, powerful opposition, denial, nonchalant resignation or obstructionist attitudes to the ecological crisis as you read/watch the news? Do you experience any of these feelings in you?
(Reflection provided by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia.)