REFLECTION 

BUILDING GOOD BRIDGES

Michael Wolfe

This past Sunday, Pope Francis wrapped up his visit to the United States.  The whirlwind tour was full of many firsts: not only was it the first time that he had ever visited the country, but during his days in Washington DC, he addressed Congress during a joint session, the first pope ever to do so.  Recognizing the significance of Pope Francis’ visit to the Unites States as a whole, and especially the historical event of his address to Congress, I’d like to share with you some of what I consider the salient points of that address in relation to our readings from Mass this past Sunday[1] (which was the last day Pope Francis’ celebrated Mass in the U.S.).  I do so in large part because Francis himself made it very clear that he was not only addressing the legislators present, but the entire people of the United States.  And of course, his content is applicable to all people of faith.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION

Pope Francis has instituted September 1st as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. We thus join the Orthodox Church in prayer for the future of nature and everything that inhabits it. In line with his last encyclical Laudato Si', on “Caring for Our Common Home,” the Pope invites us to join in conscious and active protection of the Mother Earth. With the encyclical he adheres to concerns from environmental groups, researchers and various groups for our environment.

This is then opportunity to review our thinking and our actions regarding the care for Creation. Are we aware of the practices and policies harmful to the environment? Can we commit to transforming this situation? Can we change prsonal habits in order to reduce consumption of water or energy, use public transport or car pool, not waste food, recycle ... Some of our habits can be changed to be more consistent with a more sustainable environment.