“Thank you for committing to this 30 Day Christian Green Living Challenge with us! Each day as we step through our journey, I’ll share the challenge for the day then, depending on your green goals, I will share resources where you can learn more, dig deeper into the topic, or challenge yourself even more. We will do the challenge once *live* together, but you can participate anytime by joining in on the comments below and by using the hashtag #ChristianGreenLiving. So, when you’re ready, let’s Go Christian Green!
“A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings. Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.” — Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ 91
Have you read Laudato Si’ yet or followed my study series? It is so wonderful. Pope Francis looks at the world and all of creation and puts it into perspective. He doesn’t only point out the physical damage to the earth itself, but he reminds us that “Everything is connected”. Earth, people, animals, all creatures, we are all part of the big picture of God’s creation.
With that, our stewardship of the earth goes beyond just preserving nature and protecting habitats. In order to have as he says in the quote above “deep communion with the rest of nature,” we must have “tenderness, compassion and concern” for everyone.
“We have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” — Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ 49
Today’s Day 25 Challenge:
Do you love your neighbor as yourself? Do you regularly donate food or clothing to those in need? Do you remember to keep the homeless in your prayers? Do you have the ability to volunteer locally or on foreign mission trips?
Pray
Today let’s pray with gratitude for all of the good things God has provided for us and keep those less fortunate in our prayers. May God use us to be his hands and his feet in grateful service of our brothers and sisters both in our neighborhood and around the world.
Act
Consider your gifts. What talents and gifts has God blessed you with? How can you be his hands and feet in service to society? Take an actionable step or make a plan today to donate more or volunteer more (at your parish, food bank, blood drive, hospital, pro-life pregnancy center, etc.). If possible, involve your family, a friend or two, or organize and lead a group.
Share
Do you agree or disagree with Pope Francis? Do you think we should “stop worrying about the people” and concentrate on pollution or do you think like Pope Francis, that you can’t do one without the other? Share your thoughts by commenting below and/or using the hashtag #ChristianGreenLiving.
Learn More~
- Study Series: “Understanding Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Environment” — by Darlene Goes Green
This is the mission of this blog where together we read and walk through Laudato Si’ and try to apply it to our lives. - “Why I Love Helping Others” — by Kayla at Ever Changing Productions
- “5 Way Catholics Can Make a Difference” — by Randy Hain via Integrated Catholic Life
Click here to go to Day 26
Ready to pin! Thanks for sharing!
We bought a rain barrel that we use to water our plants from Sam’s Club last year. It’s working really well for us. I definitely agree that it takes both. It will take ALL of us to improve our world.
I’ve been thinking about a way to harvest more rainwater. Thanks for sharing and for being such an active and encouraging part of our challenge, Erinne! 🙂