How often, when we seek to understand a directive, do we look to those familiar to us and their writings? I believe we have two wonderful models to look to, Saint Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis, as we consider our role in caring for the earth, its resources and all creatures, the core message of
Laudato Si’.
The environment and life in the 13
th century Assisi of Saint Francis were noticeably different from our fast paced 21
st century world, with endangered species, polluted waters and increasing numbers of impoverished people. Francis did however, live a life of true simplicity, and called poverty “perfect joy”. He was exquisitely aware of the lowly in his midst and the need to care for them: lepers and the lower class that lived outside the walls of Assisi, the smallest flowers and herbs provided by Mother Earth, and all creatures sustained by Brother Wind and Air and Sister Water. Pope Francis states “(Francis) shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace.” (
Laudato Si’, paragraph 10)
Laudato Si’ addresses some of our present challenges to protecting God’s creation: pollution, waste and the throwaway culture; climate change; unavailable and unsafe water; loss of biodiversity; the negative societal impact of global changes; and global inequality. To help us grasp the need for comprehensive, faith-based solutions to these issues, Pope Francis recalls the words of
Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World of Vatican II: (The common good is) “the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment.” This “summons us to solidarity and a preferential option for the poorest of our brothers and sisters.” (
Laudato Si’, 158) St. Francis, known as the Poor Man of Assisi, lived this mandate and wrote his Rule to reflect it. We have a model to guide our care of creation, and an easy-to-read, inspirational document that lays before us important considerations to guide our actions.
On August 31
st, the eve of the Second Annual World Day for the Care of Creation, Pope Francis proposed “a complement to the … seven Works of Mercy … (to) also include care of our common home. As a spiritual work of mercy, … a grateful contemplation of God’s world allows us to discover in each thing a teaching which God wishes to hand onto us. As a corporal work of mercy … a simple daily gesture which breaks with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness, makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world.”
Laudato Si’, mi’ Signore’ – “Praise be to you, my Lord.” These opening words of St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures, are also the opening words of the encyclical of Pope Francis. They provide us with a framework for his call to “see God reflected in all that exists (and be) moved to praise the Lord for all his creatures.” (
Laudato Si’, 87)
God of Abundance, Saint Francis reverenced all creation as a reflection of You, the Creator. May we respect all of life, and be reminded that our consumerism may contribute to scarcity for others of our sisters and brothers. Give us the courage to change what is ours to change. We ask this in the name of Jesus and in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.