Location: San Fernando Cathedral
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, today the Archdiocese of San Antonio commits to an Action Platform to answer the call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’. Let us reflect on the ecosystem as an image of the divine life into which Jesus Christ invites us through his Paschal Mysteries. The Lord offers Himself to us as our food at the celebration of the Eucharist, making present his Pasion, Death, and Resurrection so that we may love one another as He has loved us. Likewise, every creature finds its fulfillment in sustaining the life of another in endless cycles. This truth is powerfully echoed in the goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, which calls us to a renewed commitment to care for our common home. Let us explore how these goals can guide us in living out this divine invitation.
Our planet is a gift from God, entrusted to us to steward with love and care. The call to protect our common home is not merely an environmental issue, but a spiritual and moral imperative. By adopting renewable energies, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable agriculture, we participate in the divine act of creation, sustaining life as God intended. When we see the beauty of creation, we see a reflection of the Creator’s glory. Just as Elisha trusted in God’s providence and shared the first fruits of the harvest, so too must we trust in God’s provision and share our resources equitably, ensuring that all creation can thrive.
Eco-justice reminds us that the well-being of the earth is intimately connected to the well-being of humanity, especially the most vulnerable. Promoting solidarity and defending human life from conception to natural death are essential components of this call. Projects that support indigenous communities, refugees, and children at risk are ways we can reflect God’s love and justice. Jesus’ multiplication of the loaves and fishes teaches us that when we share what we have, trusting in God’s abundance, there is enough for everyone. Our commitment to eco-justice is a commitment to seeing Christ in the faces of the poor and marginalized.
Our economy must serve the common good, respecting the limits of nature. Sustainable production and consumption, ethical investments, and supporting circular economies are ways to honor the interconnectedness of all life. The second reading, from Ephesians, calls us to maintain unity and humility, recognizing that our economic choices impact the entire body of Christ. By prioritizing care for the earth and dignity for workers, we create an economy that reflects God’s justice and mercy.
Living sustainably is an expression of our faith. Reducing waste, adopting sustainable dietary habits, and avoiding single-use items are practical steps that honor the Creator. These actions are rooted in the idea of sufficiency, reminding us that true contentment comes not from excessive consumption but from living in harmony with God’s creation. Jesus’ feeding of the multitude with five loaves and two fishes shows us that even our small efforts, blessed by God, can have a profound impact.
Education is key to fostering an ecological conversion. By integrating Laudato Si’ into what we teach our children and promoting ecological awareness, we help others discover God in all things. Ensuring equitable access to education and promoting human rights are crucial in building a more just and sustainable world. Through ecological education, we nurture future generations who will continue to care for our common home.
Ecological conversion helps us see the divine in the beauty of creation and the suffering of the afflicted. Promoting creation-based liturgical celebrations and ecological catechesis are ways to integrate our spiritual lives with our care for the earth. As we celebrate the Eucharist, the summit and source of Christian life, we are reminded of our call to be good stewards of God’s creation, reflecting the unity and love of the Holy Trinity.
Building resilient communities requires synodal engagement and action. Advocacy, rootedness, and a sense of belonging are essential in fostering community resilience. Just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes thanks to the faith and generosity of a young boy, so too can our collective actions, rooted in faith, bring about change in our communities.
The ecosystem is indeed a reflection of the divine life into which Jesus invites us. By responding to the cries of the earth and the poor, embracing sustainable lifestyles, promoting ecological education and spirituality, and building resilient communities, we participate in the divine work of creation.
Let us ask Our Lady of Guadalupe to increase our trust in God’s abundant provision, so we may share generously, and walk together on this journey of ecological conversion, reflecting the love of her Son Jesus in our lives.
