International Earth Day - "Restore our Earth"

Cycads recovering after a bush fire near Ellis Beach QLD, Australia. Photo: unsplash.com/davidclode

Cycads recovering after a bush fire near Ellis Beach QLD, Australia. Photo: unsplash.com/davidclode

International Earth Day is a global event celebrated annually on April 22nd. The first-ever Earth Day took place in the USA in 1970 to raise awareness about environmental issues and now includes the participation of more than 1 billion people in 190 countries. The theme this year is 'Restore our Earth.' There are many ways to focus our efforts each day on restoring Earth by standing up for climate action, taking steps to end plastic pollution, supporting species restoration and improving our awareness about environmental issues. Whilst taking practical action to care for our Earthly home is vital, as people of faith, we are called to go deeper.

Columban Fr Michael Gormly says:

'Ecological conversion is not just feeling good in the natural world. Nor is it about recycling and the odd adjustment to our lifestyle…This is about conversion. It involves a change in consciousness about how we relate to ourselves, our world and our God.' (Our Quest for Ecological Integrity - Fr Michael Gormly SSC)

As I reflected on these words, I recalled a day when, as a Year 10 secondary school student, I rode out on my bike with my Dad's camera to take photos for a Geography project on pollution. I chose to focus on a suburban creek close to my home. 

As kids, we rode along tracks near this creek very often, but it was only when I looked more intently that I became aware of the incredible amount of rubbish that had either been disposed of in the creek or washed in from nearby streets. I remembered being shocked that the creek itself had been violated. The seeds of this early awareness that creation has dignity and rights has continued to grow in me over the years.

As I ponder this year's Earth Day theme, 'Restore our Earth,' I am drawn to the word restore, synonyms for which are renew, revitalize and 'bring back.' The Earth Day theme then suggests that whilst we are engaged in hands-on action to care for Earth, we are invited to have a change of heart and mind and recognize and value how intimately we are interdependent with all creation. 

First Nations Peoples around the world articulate deep awareness of belonging to the Country. Sherry Balcombe; Leader at Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria, says:

"We want to share our deep spiritual connection with the Land and all parts of it. It is just as sacred to us today as it has been since time immemorial. This is our true gift to the world. When you become still and listen carefully, you can hear the songlines that connect us, and you can feel our ancestors calling in the wind." 

What a wonderful gift. As we journey with this invitation, it is also imperative that we continue to commit ourselves to ongoing education about injustice, acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples unceded Sovereignty of the Country. Sherry says: 

"There is a deep wound in the country, and until we address it, it will continue to fester."

First Nations have elected the First Peoples Assembly to represent the voice of Aboriginal communities across Victoria, the first state to progress towards a Treaty. Recognizing wrongs in the process of truth-telling and addressing ongoing injustice is an essential parallel to healing and the work of establishing Treaty. Issues of justice, peace and the integrity of creation run clearly throughout Pope Francis Encyclical letter Laudato Si: 

"Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society." #91

A further message to reflect on for International Earth Day comes from the 'Making Peace with Nature; A scientific blueprint to tackle climate, biodiversity and pollution emergencies.' In words that echo values in Catholic Social teaching about the common good, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres states: 'An inclusive world at peace with nature can ensure that people enjoy better health and the full respect of their human rights so they can live with dignity on a healthy planet…we have the ability to transform our impact on the world. A sustainable economy driven by renewable energy and nature-based solutions will create new jobs, cleaner infrastructure and a resilient future." 

The world is called to a radical shift to ensure this safe future, and we know it. News items and documentaries about the consequences of humanities' over-reach on Earth's resources are available for everyday viewers through media outlets at increasing rates.

Easter 

Throughout this season of Easter, we continue to be nourished by the origins of our Christian hope. In the reading for the 4th Sunday of Easter, Jesus says: 'I am the good shepherd; I know my own, and my own know me.' John 10: 14-15. Easter is a time for us to have renewed confidence that we are God's people and that the fruits of our relationship with God, who continually guides us towards the good, will support the steps we take towards peace, justice and healing for all. 

What can you do in the spirit of International Earth Day? 

  • Take some time outdoors, move slowly and take notice. What do you see, hear, feel? Breathe in deep.
  • Who are the Traditional Custodians of Country where you live? Find out where to join an Aboriginal walking tour to learn more about the world's oldest, continuous living culture. 
  • Offer some inter-cessionary prayers in your parish.  

Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM is a Columban Peace, Ecology and Justice team member.   

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