Reflection
At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms, nor about partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God’s creation and the one human family. It is about protecting both the human environment’ and the natural environment. To embrace our role as stewards of God’s creation, we must employ restraint and moderation in the use of material goods, so we do not allow our desire to possess more material things to overtake our concern for the basic needs of people and the environment. In fulfilling these duties, we promote a focus on authentic development, encouraging the economic and spiritual advancement of the poorest people on earth as a means to living out our Catholic faith.
USCCB, Global Climate Change
Prayer
Creator God, grace us with a sense of our responsibilities.
Action
Where in your living do you need to employ restraint and moderation? As we look toward elections take time to learn how the candidates stand on the environment.
Suggested Reading
At its core, the environmental crisis is a moral challenge. It calls (on) us to examine how we use and share the good of the Earth, what we pass on to future generations and how we live in harmony with God’s creation.
Renewing the Face of the Earth, USCCB
We must never forget that the natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility of everyone.
Pope Francis
Preservation of the environment, promotion of sustainable development and particular attention to climate change are matters of grave concern for the entire human family
Pope Benedict XVI
The seriousness of ecological degradation lays bare the depth of man’s moral crisis… Simplicity, moderation, and discipline as well as the spirit of sacrifice must become a part of everyday life.
Pope John Paul II
The fate of the living planet is the most important issue facing mankind.
Gaylord Nelson
If we go on using the Earth uncaringly and without replenishing it, then we are just greedy consumers.
Satish Kumar
There’s one issue that will define the contours of this century more dramatically than any other, and that is the urgent and growing threat of a changing climate.
Barack Obama
The supreme reality of our time is the vulnerability of our planet.
John F. Kennedy
The ecological crisis is doing what no other crisis in history has ever done — challenging us to a realization of a new humanity.
Jean Houston