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 following is an excerpt from Laudato Sí and a reflection provided by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia.
Pope Francis’s Laudato Sí #33: The loss of biodiversity: Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see, because they have been lost forever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right.
Reflection: This week make it a spiritual practice to notice all the “other than human” species that cross your path: mammals, the variety of birds, insects, reptiles, flowers. Pause and look deeply at these creatures; give thanks for them and feel the joy that our creator God receives from each of these creatures. Doing this might even change your relationship with that pesky fly!