LIVING LAUDATO SI’ THIS LENT

On June 18, 2015, Pope Francis released Laudato Si’, his much-anticipated encyclical on caring for creation. In so doing, the pope invited not just the Church but the whole of humanity to enter into a more intentional dialogue. He asked us to reflect on what it means to be good stewards of our common home—and the effect our actions have on the poor and vulnerable.

Pope Francis has issued a challenge. And all these months later, his encylical still deserves continued conversation, contemplation and action. Take time this Lent to reflect on your relationship to the environment—and that of our community. Because what you give up for Lent doesn’t just change lives—it protects the environment too.

Questions to Guide Your Reflection

1. Simple forms of fasting—taking shorter showers, using less energy at home, using fewer paper products—can have positive impacts on our environment. What simple practices can you incorporate into your Lenten fast to help protect the environment?
2. Genesis 1:28 says: “Fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over … all the living things that crawl on the earth.” In Genesis 2:15, we read: “The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.” What concrete actions do you take in your daily life to live up to this responsibility that God has given us to care for creation?