Friday, January 15, 2010

Haiti

The stories coming out of Haiti are shocking and horrific. The following prayer from Catholic Relief Services is excellent:

God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.
In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.
Be with all creation; strengthen us in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti. All creation returns to you in mourning and your grace guides our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.
With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.
Amen.
Solidarity calls us to both prayer and action. Find a way to contribute and take action. Spend time daily to remember those who suffer. Work for peace.
Anthony

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Peace and Creation

"If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation. The quest for peace by people of good will surely would become easier if all acknowledge the indivisible relationship betweeen God, human beings and the whole of creation. Protecting the natural environment in order to build a world of peace is thus a duty incumbent upon each and all."
-Pope Benedict XVI

The words of the Holy Father ring loud and clear for all believers: protecting the planet is not optional for Christians. We all must do our part. In connecting environmental awareness with peace, Pope Benedict rightly recognized the unrest among peoples caused by the misuse of resources given by God for all.

This goes far beyond recycling plastic and glass; the Pope is calling for a re-examination of our lifestyle as individual consumers and as a nation. How can we become more just in the way we use resources? Are you willing to adopt a more sober lifestyle that is willing to sacrifice convenience for the good of all?

Check out the entire letter at: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/peace/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20091208_xliii-world-day-peace_en.html

Anthony