View from the Marianist Family Retreat Center. Learn about their ministry here.
April 10 - Palm Sunday
“What we most need to do is to hear within us the sound of the Earth crying.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
“By listening to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, we are listening to God’s voice.”
- Tyler Wagner, Ignatian Solidarity Network
Our Lenten journey through the Laudato Si Action Platform (www.laudatosiactionplatform.org) continues as we strive to contemplate our role in caring for all of God’s creation. From now through Easter, a different Platform goal will be highlighted each week. Let’s continue our journey this week toward the cross.
Goal: Hearing the cry of the Earth
Hearing the cry of the Earth is a call to protect our common home for the wellbeing of all, as we equitably address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological sustainability. Actions could include the adoption of renewable energies and energy sufficiency measures, achieving carbon neutrality, protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and guaranteeing access to clean water for all.
Reflection
Jesus died because of his deep love for us. His passion and death were painful, and his cries were real. The Earth now cries out in pain over the pollution, waste, and climate change caused by human selfishness and sin. We have a global environmental crisis threatening us all that is recognized by faith and scientific leaders alike. The cries of the planet echo the cries of our Savior, and as disciples we are compelled to act. After all, it is our sins that put Jesus on the cross and our sins that cause our planet to cry out for help. How can you help to ease Christ’s pain and suffering? What can you do to answer the cry of his Earth?
Challenge
This Holy Week, listen for the cries of Christ in both our remembrance of his passion and death and in this planet we all inhabit together. Take time to encounter creation in this springtime season. In particular, try to pay attention to any changes you may have witnessed over your lifetime. Do you hear fewer birds? See fewer very old trees? Encounter fewer insects? Are introduced species taking over areas that were previously more diverse? Spring is a good time to view invasive species as they’re often on a different timeline as the native species they’re displacing. The bright white blooms of callery pear, carpets of yellow-blooming lesser celandine and thick stands of bush honeysuckle that have already leafed out are especially prominent right now. The effects of those displacements ripple far beyond a single location.
An Extinction Grieving Prayer
Loving God,
You grace each of us with equal measure in your love.
Let us learn to love our neighbors more deeply, so that we can create peaceful and just communities.
Inspire us to use our creative energies to build the structures we need to overcome the obstacles of intolerance and indifference.
May Jesus provide us the example needed and send the Spirit to warm our hearts for the journey.
Amen
- USCCB
Going Further
Download An Extinction Grieving Prayer service by Terri MacKenzie, SHCJ, here.