LIVING LIGHTLY

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Vol. XVII × No. 2

FEBRUARY 2005

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Editorial

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by Corrado De Robertis

The tragedy that struck the Philippines some months ago was not to be blamed totally on the fury of the elements as it can be the case of the Tsunami that struck much of Asia later in December bringing death and destruction of unknown proportions.

Both events may tell us how important is to consider the way we relate to the environment, how much we may find ourselves on the losing side quite easily and quickly. It tells us to be aware and respectful of nature, living humbly with it and avoiding abusing it.

The mud slides that killed thousands in the Philippines were however more of a man made disaster than a natural one, one caused by illegal logging that ravaged precious forests. Quite rightly a Bishop called for the excommunication of illegal loggers for their murderous actions. But also the failure to enforce the law needs to be pointed out with the same gravity and with it the corruption that makes possible to get around any legislation. It is in the end greed and disrespect of life that causes havoc and death for thousands of people.

This month World Mission proposes some principles that would guide a Christian in the respect of the environment for an harmonic and sustainable living.

The UN has also called for a Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (2005 - 2014) in view of this urgent necessity.

In this age of unbridled consumerism such disasters remind us how important it is to live lightly on earth. Simplicity is key to a balanced living that is just and respectful of nature and all life. Jesus himself warned his disciples against hoarding possessions and allowing their hearts to be enticed by the lure of wealth as a sure recipe for disaster.

On one of many occasions Pope John Paul has called for an ecological vocation, which in our time has become more urgent than ever’. He said: ‘in a world tat is increasingly interdependent, peace, justice and the protection of creation must be the fruit of the common effort of all in pursuing the common good together.’ It is clear that the Church, and Christians everywhere, should be to the fore in trying to usher in the new, ecological age.