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“The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change” (LS 13).
Where do we get this hope that things can change? From Romans 8:24-26, we can deduce that we hope for things that are not yet seen; that have not yet occurred. We hope that humans will be able to stop further increases in Earth’s average temperature beyond 1.5 degrees, but we have not yet seen nor accomplished this goal.
The Christian community lives under the sign of the Cross. We point to the Resurrection of Christ as the source of our hope. Jesus Christ died, but He arose after three days. Like Jesus, we suffer. However, we look forward with hope to share in new life and resurrection. In the same way, though we see our planet dying, we hope that Earth will have new life, a resurrection from all the toxins that poison and kill the peoples and creatures on Earth. We can trust in the hope of a “new heaven and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1-4).
“Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home. Here I want to recognize, encourage and thank all those striving in countless ways to guarantee the protection of the home which we share. Particular appreciation is owed to those who tirelessly seek to resolve the tragic effects of environmental degradation on the lives of the world’s poorest” (LS 13).
We can look with hope because of the efforts different people have made to save our Earth. Efforts are being made to harness more wind and solar energies. Governments are increasingly investing more money to address climate change. Public and private businesses are collaborating to discover innovative ways to recycle and sustain Earth’s natural resources. Our Laudato Si’ Animators, chapters and circles are working tirelessly to reverse the effects of climate change and inspire a widespread ecological conversion in the Church and beyond.
Can you feel the momentum? We can do this with the Holy Spirit’s graces
We pray to our Blessed Mother, who is the Mother and Queen of all creation. We pray to the other saints and angels, especially to St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of animals, the environment, and ecology. Remember the words of Matt. 19:26:
“Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”
Help keep hope alive: volunteer with Laudato Si’ Movement
Read John Henry Cardinal Newman’s inspiring “Radiating Christ” poem