Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home
(Please note numbers refer to paragraphs)
Chapter 2 The Gospel of Creation (62-100)
“…science and religion, with their distinctive approaches to understanding reality, can enter into an intense
dialogue fruitful for both.”(62)
I. The Light Offered by Faith
“If we are truly concerned to develop an ecology capable of remedying the damage we have done, no
branch of the sciences and no form of wisdom can be left out, and that includes religion and the
language particular to it.” (63)
“It is good for humanity and the world at large when we believers better recognize the ecological
commitments which stem from our convictions.” (64)
II. The Wisdom of the Biblical Accounts
Genesis 1:26 Humans created out of love and made in God’s image…. The immense dignity of the
human person. (65)
“The creation accounts in the book of Genesis contain, in their own symbolic and narrative language,
profound teachings about human existence and its historical reality. They suggest that human life is
grounded in three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbor and
with the earth itself.” (66)
“…we must forcefully reject the notion that our being created in God’s image and given dominion over
the earth justifies absolute domination over other creatures.” (67)
“The laws found in the Bible dwell on relationships, not only among individuals but also with other living
beings.” (68)
“These ancient stories, full of symbolism, bear witness to a conviction which we today share, that
everything is interconnected, and that genuine care for our own lives and our relationships with nature
is inseparable from fraternity, justice, and faithfulness to others.” (70)
Sabbath, Sabbatical, Jubilee celebrated to provide balance and fairness… “an acknowledgment that the
gift of the earth with its fruits belongs to everyone.” (71)
Psalms and Prophets
Which Bible quote in this section touched you as you pondered the invitations from scripture?
III. The Mystery of the Universe
The word “creation” broader in meaning than “nature”. “…creation can only be understood as a gift
from the outstretched hand of the Father of all, and as a reality illuminated by the love which calls us
together in universal communion.” (76)
“Creation is of the order of love. God’s love is the fundamental moving force in all created things….
Even the fleeting life of the least of beings is the object of his love, and in its few seconds of existence,
God enfolds it with his affection.” (77)
*This section of the document invites us to see the much larger picture of creation and the integral way
God invites us to participate through development while not destroying, in creativity, in remembering
our relationships with all beings.
“Human beings, endowed with intelligence and love, and drawn by the fullness of Christ, are called to
lead all creatures back to their Creator.” (83)
Consider the gifts God has given you, how are you using them in relationship with all creation for the
Glory of God? Are you able to expand your vision to include your part in the vastness and beauty of
the Universe as one of God’s own?
IV. The Message of Each Creature in the Harmony of Creation
This is a particularly beautiful section. I would invite you to read this section slowly and savor the beauty
of the reality it speaks of. This would be a good place to also do a bit of journaling.
Included is the hymn of St. Francis of Assisi: Canticle of the Creatures (87)
V. A Universal Communion
“…as part of the universe, called into being by one Father, all of us are linked by unseen bonds and
together form a kind of universal family, a sublime communion which fill us with a sacred, affectionate
and humble respect.” (89)
“A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness,
compassion and concern for our fellow human beings.” (91)
“Moreover, when our hearts are authentically open to universal communion, this sense of fraternity
excludes nothing and no one.” And “ Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers
and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his
creatures…”(92)
Pondering this Universal Communion, consider who you might have difficulty seeing as one who is part of this
communion with you. To what, or to whom might God be nudging you toward in acceptance and service?
VI. The Common Destination of Goods
A challenging section inviting us to consider how we use the goods of the earth. “The Christian tradition
has never recognized the righto private property as absolute or inviolable, and has stressed the social
purpose of all forms of private property.” (93)
“The natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility of
everyone. If we make something our own, it is only to administer it for the good of all.” (95)
VII. The Gaze of Jesus
What touches you most in this section? What would you speak of to Jesus regarding this chapter? Can you
take some time to listen to what he may speak to you?
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