The choices we make affect the lives of

The choices we make affect the lives of others

“What is happening to the earth indicates that we must think beyond local and national interests and define ‘the community’ in global terms. The way we live and the choices we make affect the lives of others: not only human life, in fact, but also the other forms of life found on earth. ”

“Earth at its beginning was for all in common, it was meant for rich and poor alike; what right have you to monopolise the soil? Nature knows nothing of the rich; all are poor when she brings them forth. ” St Ambrose of Milan

What have we done to the earth?

“The natural world is made up of many different delicate and intricately interconnected cycles that have nurtured and sustained life for millions of years, giving fertile soil, clean water and a pure atmosphere. Now these life-sustaining mechanisms are breaking down through pollution and abuse. ”

I shall make a treaty for them with the wild animals, with the birds of heaven and the creeping things of the earth; I shall break the bow and the sword and warfare, and banish them from the country, and I will let them sleep secure. I shall betroth you to myself for ever, I shall betroth you in uprightness and justice, and faithful love and tenderness. . Hosea 2: 18 -22

We must protect creation for the future

“The plight of the earth demonstrates that an individualistic materialism cannot be allowed to drive out responsibility and love, and that care for those in need, and respect for the rights of future generations, are necessary to sustain a proper life for all. ”

Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are stilled with light. Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory. Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humbled with beginning. Earth teach me caring as the mother who secures her young. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone. Earth teach me limitations as the ant which crawls on the ground. . . Traditional Ute Prayer (native North American)

God calls us to renew the face of the earth

“Human beings are created in the image of God, and have the special gift and challenge of sharing in God's creative activity. We use, and by using we transform, the natural world. As 'co-creators', then, our acts should reflect God's own love for creation. We ourselves are part of creation, formed out of the earth, and dependent on the rest of creation for our continued existence”

Look to this day for it is life, the very breath of life. . . for yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision. But today, well lived, makes yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a dream of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day. Ancient Sanskrit poem

We work with creation, not against it

“We are called to reflect on our individual roles and purposes in life and ask ourselves what we need to develop our human qualities, to grow in love of God and neighbour. In a context of environmental justice, this reflection will allow us to make serious choices – including the choice not to consume what we do not need and, above all, what is likely to harm others. ”

Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring. Earth teach me to forget myself as snow forgets its life. Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep with rain. Traditional Ute Prayer (native North American)

Through your goodness we have this bread to offer

“In the Eucharist we, the priestly people, the Church, are empowered to transform and use what we have been given. This act of transformation is a sacred act. But it is for all, to nourish all, for the life and salvation of all. ”

"men and women are led to regard the environment as a marvel to be pondered and respected rather than a commodity for mere consumption. It is incumbent upon religious people to demonstrate that it is possible to find joy in living simply and modestly, generously sharing one’s surplus with those suffering from want. " Pope Benedict XVI, July 2008

Photographs by: Agency, Annie Bungeroth, Eleanor Church