Once we lose our humility, and become enthralled with the possibility of
limitless mastery over everything, we inevitably end up harming society
and the environment.
+ Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home, 2015
Our partner (Mother Earth) is a flower. If we take care of her well,
she will grow beautifully.
If we take care of her poorly, she will wither.
To help…her grow well, we must understand her nature.
How much water does she need? How much sunshine?
We look deeply into ourselves to see our true nature, and we look into
(Mother Earth) to see her nature.
+ Adapted from Thich Nhat Hanh, Touching Peace:
Practicing the Art of Mindful Living
World Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22, 2025, and it is the 55th Anniversary of this special day on this planet. The theme this year is Our Power, Our Planet with a goal and a reminder about the need for renewable energy. The good news is that for the past 55 years, concerned and mindful people all over the planet have been working very hard at replacing the kinds of harmful energy sources we have been using for so many years. Ten years ago, Pope Francis warned us that some people…“have become enthralled with the possibility of limitless mastery over everything, and inevitably end up harming society and the environment.”
It occurs to me that this year’s theme for Earth Day could have a double meaning. We think we are so powerful that we can do anything we want with the resources available to us. Some would even quote Scripture saying that we must subdue the earth. Really? Look around you and see how that has turned out. I am one who believes that the Creator gave us this beautiful planet, this awesome world, this fantastic universe to enjoy and care for in a loving, nourishing and respectful way. We are to respectfully use whatever it is we need from the earth and we are to give that same respect to one another.
There is abundant evidence that Mother Earth will really do well even if we are not here anymore, which I find a humble and sobering thought. This planet has been around longer than we have and will continue long after we are gone. I think it behooves us to make the most of what time we do have here and do our best to find better ways to use the many resources we have discovered in order to live life in a sustainable way for all. I would suggest that we seriously follow the mantra:
Refuse—Don’t even purchase things you probably won’t use or need.
Reduce—Use less electricity, gas, food, water, furnishings, etc.
Reuse—Find ways to reuse clothing, paper, plastic, leftovers, books, etc.
Recycle—Take time to properly recycle used goods (you know the drill!).
As many Christians this month observe and celebrate Easter, I would like to end with this reflection that ties together the theme of this article which helps us consider our natural and our supernatural power within and without:
When you have the courage to
marry
When you welcome the
newly-born
When you build your home you
believe in the resurrection.
When you wake at peace in the
morning
When you sing to the rising sun
When you go to work with joy
you believe in the resurrection.
+Carlo Carretto
Easter blessings!
Sister Mary Thill is a Sylvania Franciscan Sister. She can be reached at mthill@sistersosf.org.
