Recently we celebrated Laudato Si’ week, which highlights the call from Pope Francis to care for creation and to reconcile our relationship with God, creation and one another as expressed in the 36th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus.
When looking at issues of this scale, we often think ‘What can we do to help? How can my actions change anything?’
You may like to use the below “Ecological Examen’ to reflect on your personal relationship with creation, to acknowledge and amend your ways and to promote ecological justice by standing in solidarity with those most impacted by environmental harm. Go at a pace that works for you: pause at sections in the Examen that you would like to reflect more on.
- I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made. Where did I feel God’s presence in creation today?
- I ask for the grace to see creation as God does – in all its splendour and suffering. Do I see the beauty of creation and hear the cries of the earth and the poor?
- I ask for the grace to look closely to see how my life choices impact creation and the poor and vulnerable. What challenges or joys do I experience as I recall my care for creation? How can I turn away from a throwaway culture and instead stand in solidarity with creation and the poor?
- I ask for the grace of conversion towards ecological justice and reconciliation. Where have I fallen short in caring for creation and my brothers and sisters? How do I ask for a conversion of heart?
- I ask for the grace to reconcile my relationship with God, creation and humanity, and to stand in solidarity through my actions. How can I repair my relationship with creation and make choices consistent with my desire for reconciliation with creation?
http://www.ecologicalexamen.org/
Mrs Emily Sass
Director of Faith & Ministry