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9/21/2018

Ways to Live Out “Laudato Si”

Director’s Reflection

Dear Companions on the Journey,

About three years ago, Pope Francis wrote his letter, “Laudato Si’,” about Christians caring for the environment. This month the Paulist Center’s, “Care for our Common Home” committee, has been leading us through various ways to live out this vibrant document…which most of us haven’t read! So here Jesuit James Martin gives us the “Top Ten Takeaways from “Laudato Si’.” (Better: go to the website <vatican.va> and read “Laudato Si’” yourself – but it’s long!) …

  1. The spiritual perspective is now part of the discussion on the environment.

  2. The poor are disproportionately affected by climate change.

  3. Less is more.

  4. Catholic social teaching now includes teaching on the environment.

  5. Discussions about ecology can be grounded in the Bible and church tradition.

  6. Everything is connected—including the economy.

  7. Scientific research on the environment is to be praised and used.

  8. Widespread indifference and selfishness worsen environmental problems.

  9. Global dialogue and solidarity are needed.

  10. A change of heart is required.

Our “Care for our Common Home” committee has worked very hard to educate and inspire us this September, drawing from various dimensions of Pope Francis’ letter. Please take some time to check out the back wall of the Chapel to see their very doable and pithy recommendations to kind of “get the ball rolling” in your home and place of work.

When we do small things, we start to think big. When we think big, we can join movements that can affect change in our world. Or we can watch Netflix.

What do you think?

And let us pray for/with one another.
Michael
The Paulist Center