Laudato Si quote:
34. It may well disturb us to learn of the extinction of mammals or birds, since they are more visible. But the good functioning of ecosystems also requires fungi, algae, worms, insects, reptiles and an innumerable variety of microorganisms. Some less numerous species, although generally unseen, nonetheless play a critical role in maintaining the equilibrium of a particular place. Human beings must intervene when a geosystem reaches a critical state. But nowadays, such intervention in nature has become more and more frequent. As a consequence, serious problems arise, leading to further interventions; human activity becomes ubiquitous, with all the risks which this entails. Often a vicious cycle results, as human intervention to resolve a problem further aggravates the situation. For example, many birds and insects which disappear due to synthetic agrotoxins are helpful for agriculture: their disappearance will have to be compensated for by yet other techniques which may well prove harmful. We must be grateful for the praiseworthy efforts being made by scientists and engineers dedicated to finding solutions to man-made problems. But a sober look at our world shows that the degree of human intervention, often in the service of business interests and consumerism, is actually making our earth less rich and beautiful, ever more limited and grey, even as technological advances and consumer goods continue to abound limitlessly. We seem to think that we can substitute an irreplaceable and irretrievable beauty with something which we have created ourselves.
For reflection:
- How might I become more aware of all the connections between the created order and my activity?
- How might even the creatures that annoy me (mosquitoes, flies, just for example) be reimagined so that my actions toward them are more aligned with the created order?
Laudato Si Congregation:
The Addressing Climate Committee recommends this three-minute ecological conversion story video by Sr. Mary Heather MacKinnon.
Dismantling Racism
A wonderful opportunity for an online retreat “Transforming Spirituality in a Time of Plague” which reflects on the work of Constance FitzGerald OCD, through the Carmelite Monastery of Baltimore, November 13-14. For more information and registration information, click here.
Justice for Immigrants
Consider this ten-minute retreat from Catholic Relief Services this week which reflects on the lives of 80 million people who have been displaced worldwide. Click here.
End Human Trafficking
The U.S. Department of Labor reports millions of children in Africa work under hazardous conditions growing cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate. These dangers include exposure to pesticides, lifting heavy loads, using sharp tools, and working in burning fields. And out of the billions of dollars chocolate producers make each year, farmers only see 6.6% of the profits—totaling to about $1 per day. Looking for ways to improve your Halloween candy offerings that align with fair trade?
Here are some great suggestions! - https://atlanticmidwest.org/posts/fair-trade-halloween-candy
Some other brands to look for: Alter Ego Truffles (for you Ferrero Rocher fans) · Theo Foods — a variety of naturally flavored chocolate bars, including raspberry, ginger, and orange ·Equal Exchange — grown by small farmer co-ops · Divine Chocolate — From bars to after dinner mints, this is just awesome chocolate!
