Vol. XVI
No. 2
FEBRUARY 2004
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"To hold dear; feel or show affection for; to keep or cultivate with care and affection” is the Webster dictionary’s explanation of the verb ‘to cherish’, indeed this is what we humans need to practice ever more assiduously: to cherish relationships, people, the things we have and our home, the environment created for us all. Unfortunately today’s society tells us to consume, use, dispose of and buy more. A trend that is taking a deadly toll on nature and the lives of many people, affected as they are by the now global environmental crisis. See this month’s WM Special (pages 22-29).
Much of the destruction of creation is caused by the sins of arrogance, greed, and lust for power. These lead to social injustice, rampant consumerism, haphazard development, and the indiscriminate application of technology.
Concern for the natural environment goes hand in hand with care for people, the poor, the marginalized and future generations. Indeed there are numerous social conditions - spiritual, cultural, ecological, religious, economic, political, physical, and material – that impact our ability to realize our human dignity and reach our full potential, see for example the shocking UN report on the ‘Continent of the Hungry’ on pages 14-15.
There is urgent need to address unsustainable patterns of consumption and production causing an environmental degradation that is already affecting ours and will greatly affect future generations. It is a matter of justice that we take up the cause of sustainable development, that each one of us rediscovers the meaning of ‘Cherishing’. Indeed part of being a believer is caring for creation as God is present and active in creation, while also transcendent.
The proportions of today’s ecological crisis require that everyone take responsibility, whether individual or institution.
The problem is not only economic and technological, it is also moral and spiritual requiring a change of heart deep inside. We are all part of one human family - whatever our national, racial, religious, economic, or ideological differences. More than ever before we need to be together truly committed to the common good, and to a willingness to lose oneself for the sake of others, including future generations. This is done taking into consideration not only the needs of all peoples but also the protection of the environment in view of the good of all.
Comments, suggestions, opinions?
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Fr Corrado De Robertis
Comboni Mission Center
7885 Segundo Mendoza St.
Sucat,
1715 Parañaque City, MM
Philippines.
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