Pope Francis designated May 24, 2020 through May 24, 2021 as Laudato Si’ Year to commemorate the fifth anniversary of his landmark encyclical on the care for our common home. The following is an excerpt from Laudato Si’ and a reflection provided by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia.
Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’ #204: The current global situation engenders a feeling of instability and uncertainty, which in turn becomes a “seedbed for collective selfishness.” When people become self-centered and self-enclosed, their greed increases. The emptier a person’s heart is, the more he or she needs things to buy, own and consume.
Reflection: During COVID-19 we experienced selfishness and greed as some people hoarded toilet paper and hand sanitizer. What helps you resist being self-centered and choose to be other centered? Notice your buying, owning and consuming habits this week. Do you have more than enough?