April 2024 - Care for God's Creation
If you’ve ever borrowed an item from a close friend, you’ve probably treated it with extra care, recognizing that it isn’t yours but has been entrusted to you. The Earth, teeming with life and beauty, is much the same.
Psalm 24:1 underpins a core principle of the Catholic Social Teaching: Care for God's Creation. The Psalmist reminds us that God is the Creator and ultimate owner of everything. This doesn't give us license to plunder or exploit the Earth's resources. The Catechism teaches that we are "stewards" not "owners" (CCC 2401). Like a responsible borrower, we have a duty to use creation wisely and protect it for future generations.
The earth is the LORD’s and all it holds,
the world and those who dwell in it.
Psalm 24:1
Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth,
We acknowledge You as the rightful owner of all that exists. You have entrusted us with the care of Your magnificent creation. Guide our efforts to be faithful stewards, protecting the Earth's beauty and resources for ourselves and future generations so we may please You.
- Grant wisdom to the leadership and staff of Catholic Charities as they make decisions impacting the environment.
- Help everyone to prioritize sustainability and responsible resource management in all endeavors.
- Inspire within our supporters, a spirit of conservation.
- Grant us to embrace practices that reduce waste, conserve water and energy, and promote responsible consumption.
- Holy Spirit, ignite a fire of education and action within us. Empower individuals and communities to become responsible stewards of creation.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.