Care for God’s Creation
We marvel at the extent of God’s care for us and His boundless mercy towards us, and we remember that it is through the gift of his creation that God provides for his children. In Genesis 1:26, we read “Then God said: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.’ ” Man is the high point of God’s creation, and one of the ways we resemble God is the dominion God has given us over his creation. And the key word is “dominion”, which is not the same as domination or destruction. We are called to exercise dominion over the earth, which means acting as good and responsible stewards. We must help the earth produce the food and shelter which we need to survive, in a way that benefits all and does not destroy the earth.
“The environment is God’s gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole. . . Our duties towards the environment are linked to our duties towards the human person, considered in himself and in relation to others. It would be wrong to uphold one set of duties while trampling on the other.” Pope Benedict XVI, Charity in Truth (Caritas in Veritate) #48, 51
“The vocation of being a ‘protector,’ however, is not just something involving us Christians alone; it also has a prior dimension which is simply human, involving everyone. It means protecting all creation, the beauty of the created world, as the Book of Genesis tells us and as Saint Francis of Assisi showed us. It means respecting each of God’s creatures and respecting the environment in which we live.…Please, I would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill: let us be ‘protectors’ of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.” Pope Francis, Homily at Inaugural Mass, 2013
“The world that God created has been entrusted to us. Our use must be directed by God’s plan for creation, not simply our own benefit. Our stewardship of the Earth is a form of participation in God’s act of creating and sustaining the world. In our use of creation, we must be guided by concern for generations to come. USCCB, Faithful Citizenship #15
In 1998, Pope John Paul II warned us against approaching God’s creation as if we own it: “Equally worrying is the ecological question which accompanies the problem of consumerism and which is closely connected to it. In his desire to have and to enjoy rather than to be and to grow, man consumes the resources of the earth and his own life in an excessive and disordered way … Man, who discovers his capacity to transform and in a certain sense create the world through his own work, forgets that this is always based on God’s prior and original gift of the things that are. Man thinks that he can make arbitrary use of the earth, subjecting it without restraint to his will, as though it did not have its own requisites and a prior God-given purpose, which man can indeed develop but must not betray. Instead of carrying out his role as a co-operator with God in the work of creation, man sets himself up in place of God and thus ends up provoking a rebellion on the part of nature, which is more tyrannized than governed by him. On the Hundredth Year (Centesimus Annus), #37.
In 2010, Pope Benedict issued a message titled “If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation”. In it, he wrote “Respect for creation is of immense consequence, not least because “creation is the beginning and the foundation of all God’s works”, and its preservation has now become essential for the pacific coexistence of mankind. Man’s inhumanity to man has given rise to numerous threats to peace and to authentic and integral human development – wars, international and regional conflicts, acts of terrorism, and violations of human rights. Yet no less troubling are the threats arising from the neglect – if not downright misuse – of the earth and the natural goods that God has given us. For this reason, it is imperative that mankind renew and strengthen “that covenant between human beings and the environment, which should mirror the creative love of God, from whom we come and towards whom we are journeying”. Pope Benedict XVI, 2010 World Day of Peace message. (You can read the full text of this message, or go to the Vatican website for this and other papal messages.)
The US Catholic Bishops point out, “We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.” They offer us an Examination of Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching: “Do I live out my responsibility to care for God’s creation? Do I see my care for creation as connected to my concern for poor persons, who are most at risk from environmental problems? Do I litter? Live wastefully? Use energy too freely? Are there ways I could reduce consumption in my life? Are there ways I could change my daily practices and those of my family, school, workplace, or community to better conserve the earth’s resources for future generations?” (USCCB)
If you have any ideas to share on how St. Bonaventure could celebrate and promote Care for God’s Creation, through a parish activity or by joining in an activity that you are aware of being planned by another group, please call Deacon Joe Sullivan at (714) 842-9707 so we can consider inviting the St. Bonaventure community to participate.
If you would like to watch a short video on this principle or theme, please either (a) click on this link: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching or (b) go to www.usccb.org, click on Beliefs and Teachings in the menu bar to drop down options, then click on What We Believe, then click on Catholic Social Teaching in the left column. When the lead video pops up, click on the upper left Playlist icon, and choose the CST 101 theme you are looking for (Care for God's Creation).
Animals
What about the animals who live in our world, whom St. Francis called our brothers and sisters? “The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants … are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity. Use of the … animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man’s dominion over … other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation. Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them kindness … God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives. It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly ….” Catechism of the Catholic Church #2415-2418.
If you are passionate about the humane treatment of animals, and concerned about places in the world where animals are systematically being abused, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (714) 842-9707 and we can discuss opportunities for action.
Climate Change
An overview of the Church’s outlook on climate change is found on the website of the California Catholic Conference of Bishops (www.cacatholic.org):
“Drastic changes in the earth’s climate are taking place, but there is still some debate as to the cause. The consensus of scientists says it is caused by humans increasing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Others say that the increase is due to a naturally occurring cycle in the earth’s ecosystem that will soon self correct. It is true that the planet God has given us a planet has a tremendous capacity for self-healing, as well as natural cycles such as Ice Ages. But debate about the causes of global warming aside, the same actions society would take to combat human-caused warming will benefit our economies and our health anyway. As with all economic development a proper balance between cost and benefit must take place. Cleaner and more efficient power plants, trucks, and automobiles are a great way to combat global warming. Affordable mass transportation helps people get to work and recreational facilities. Preservations of forest provide for a healthier ecosystem and more efficient natural cleansing of CO2 – not to mention the potential medicines adapted from plant and wildlife specifies in the rain forest. And slowing or reversing the melting of the polar ice caps will prevent the flooding of low-lying lands around the world … Central to the USCCB’s focus is this notion of stewardship – protecting, nurturing and utilizing the gifts God gave to us. A steward, in the Gospel story, not only protects his master’s resources but also utilizes them in a way that gives due credit to the master. Environmentally, we are called to use the gifts of the planet, but do so in a way that respects the common good and honors God’s creation.”
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is part of a coalition – the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change (click on http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/) which provides educational resources and advocacy tools dealing specifically with climate change. At this website, you can take the St. Francis Pledge, which challenges you to: Pray and reflect on the duty to care for God’s creation and protect the poor and vulnerable; Learn about and educate others on the causes and moral dimensions of climate change and our responsibility towards God’s creation; Assess how we as individuals and in our families, parishes and other affiliations contribute to climate change and environmental degradation by our own energy use, consumption and waste; Act to change our choices and behaviors to reduce the ways we contribute to the degradation of the world; and Advocate for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change and creation sustainability discussions and decisions, especially as they impact those who are poor and vulnerable.
Patron Saints of Ecology
St. Kateri Tekakwitha
St. Kateri Tekakwitha is the first canonized Native American saint from the United States, and is a patron saint of the environment and ecology. She was born in 1656 in modern-day New York. (Her father was a Mohawk chief and her mother was a Christian from the Algonquin tribe. When she was only four years old, Kateri’s parents and baby brother died of smallpox.) At a young age Kateri was introduced to Jesus Christ by the Jesuit missionaries, and at the age of twenty, she was baptized. She suffered the ridicule of her family who did not approve of her conversion to Catholicism; nonetheless, she was determined and firm in her devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ. She was known as a kind, gentle and hardworking young woman who spent her time working, praying, and meditating. Kateri had a deep devotion to Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, and each day she celebrated the presence of God through His creation. She loved to spend time in the woods speaking with God and listening for God’s word in her heart and in the voice of nature around her. Her favorite pastime was making crosses out of sticks. She would hang the stick crosses on trees to remind herself and others to say a prayer whenever someone came across one. As a Native American in the 17th century, Kateri grew up with a deep appreciation and respect for the integrity and sacredness of the earth. We honor St. Kateri for her loving care and respect for all of God’s creation. St. Kateri, pray for us!
St. Francis of Assisi
Many in the community of faith draw inspiration from, the patron saint of animals and ecology, who saw the creative love of God in nature and reverenced the natural world as a gift from God to be cherished. Yet while St. Francis’ ethic of ecological stewardship offers an excellent model to reflect on and consider, one of the cornerstones of his preaching was the importance of leading by example. As the founder of the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans), St. Francis wisely led his followers first by his actions and secondly by his words. This ethic of leadership through action is summarized by the quote attributed to him: “Preach the Gospel at all times; use words if necessary.”
“It is my hope that the inspiration of St. Francis will help us to keep ever alive a sense of ‘fraternity’ with all those good and beautiful things which Almighty God has created. And remind us of our serious obligation to respect and watch over them with care, in light of that greater and higher fraternity that exists within the human family.” Pope John Paul II, Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All of Creation (1990)
Canticle of Brother Sun by Saint Francis of Assisi
“Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, all praise is Yours, all glory, all honor and all blessings. To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name. Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures, Especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor, of You Most High, he bears the likeness. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and fair and stormy, all weather’s moods, by which You cherish all that You have made. Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water, so useful, humble, precious and pure. Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong. Praised be You my Lord through our Sister, Mother Earth who sustains and governs us, producing varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs. Praised be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial. Blessed are those who endure in peace, by You Most High, they will be crowned. Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death, From whom no one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they she finds doing Your Will. No second death can do them harm. Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks, and serve Him with great humility.”
Celebrations – Earth Day and World Environment Day
Earth Day
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it ….” Psalm 24:1. On April 22, the World celebrates Earth Day, taking some time to think about how we can better care for God’s creation. Taking action to protect the environment is always a good thing, but Earth Day is an especially good time to join in an activity and make a difference. How about starting a vegetable garden? A small book you might want to use as a resource is “Catholics Going Green: A Small Group Guide for Learning and Living Environmental Justice” by Walter Grazer, published by Ave Maria Press.
World Environment Day
In June of each year, the United Nations promotes the celebration of World Environment Day, in order to “personalize environmental issues and enable everyone to realize not only their responsibility, but also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable and equitable development.” The theme for the 2013 World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, is Think.Eat.Save. From the website of the United Nations Environment Programmme: “Think.Eat.Save is an anti-food waste and food loss campaign that encourages you to reduce your “foodprint”. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), every year 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted. This is equivalent to the same amount produced in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, 1 in every 7 people in the world go to bed hungry and more than 20,000 children under the age of 5 die daily from hunger. Given this enormous imbalance in lifestyles and the resultant devastating effects on the environment, this year’s theme – Think.Eat.Save – encourages you to become more aware of the environmental impact of the food choices you make and empowers you to make informed decisions. While the planet is struggling to provide us with enough resources to sustain its 7 billion people (growing to 9 billion by 2050), FAO estimates that a third of global food production is either wasted or lost. Food waste is an enormous drain on natural resources and a contributor to negative environmental impacts. This year’s campaign rallies you to take action from your home and then witness the power of collective decisions you and others have made to reduce food waste, save money, minimize the environmental impact of food production and force food production processes to become more efficient. If food is wasted, it means that all the resources and inputs used in the production of all the food are also lost. For example, it takes about 1,000 liters of water to produce 1 liter of milk and about 16,000 liters goes into a cow’s food to make a hamburger. The resulting greenhouse gas emissions from the cows themselves, and throughout the food supply chain, all end up in vain when we waste food. In fact, the global food production occupies 25% of all habitable land and is responsible for 70% of fresh water consumption, 80% of deforestation, and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. It is the largest single driver of biodiversity loss and land-use change. Making informed decision therefore means, for example, that you purposefully select foods that have less of an environmental impact, such as organic foods that do not use chemicals in the production process. Choosing to buy locally can also mean that foods are not flown halfway across the world and therefore limit emissions. So think before you eat and help save our environment!”
