Duty to protect the earth

“Each community can take from the bounty of the earth whatever it needs for subsistence, but it also has the duty to protect the earth and to ensure its fruitfulness for coming generations” (LS 68).

We must be grateful for the blessings that the earth offers us. Water, air, land, plants and other resources that we are presently enjoying are God’s bounty. They are gifts for us to use and not to abuse. They are for our life and not for our death. To use and develop the earth is to our utmost accountability. Otherwise, our own home will cause us suffering and eventual death.

Thus, the Earth Hour last on March 26 reminds us of our responsibility for the gift of the earth that is entrusted to us. Putting off unnecessary electricity is one of the noblest ways for us to show our love and concern for creation. Let us make the effects of this Earth Hour as our way of life by always making wise use of energy and the bounty of the earth. May we continue to save and preserve in our own little ways whatever this precious home of ours gives us.

“Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs” (LS 1).