As Catholics, we know that we are called to care for God's creation. In Genesis, we read that, in reference to the first humans, "God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth" (Genesis 1:28). Implicit in this command to subdue the Earth and have dominion over the animals is a command to care for God's creation. Just as parents are called to care for their children, humans are called to care for the gift of creation they have been given.
In his encyclical Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict XVI called on everyone throughout the world to work in solidarity to both preserve the environment and achieve social justice. He teaches us that natural ecology and human ecology are linked and that one cannot be preserved without also working to preserve the other. "Just as human virtues are interrelated, such that the weakening of one places others at risk, so the ecological system is based on respect for a plan that affects both the health of society and its good relationship with nature" (Caritas in Veritate, 51).
Pope Francis has continued to echo these calls for Catholics worldwide to work for greater environmental preservation as a way to encourage greater justice and equality worldwide. In an audience with the Diplomatic Corps, Pope Francis said, "Fighting poverty, both material and spiritual, building peace and constructing bridges: these, as it were, are the reference points for a journey that I want to invite each of the countries here represented to take up. But it is a difficult journey, if we do not learn to grow in love for this world of ours. Here too, it helps me to think of the name of Francis, who teaches us profound respect for the whole of creation and the protection of our environment, which all too often, instead of using for the good, we exploit greedily, to one another’s detriment."
So what can you do to help the environment? Follow the links below for ideas about how you and your family can work to improve and protect the environment this Earth Day.
Catholic Youth Care For Creation
St. Francis Pledge
Some Bright Ideas for Earth Day
10 Catholic Ways to Celebrate Earth Day