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Scientists teach the universe began 14 billion years ago as a tiny speck that kept expanding until it exploded. As the universe continued to grow and its energy cooled, hydrogen, the first element, was formed. Gradually under the gravitational pull, various particles in the universe came together to form the stars and galaxies. Within the Milky Way, particles joined to form planets around the sun, including our Earthly home, 4.1 billion years ago. In turn, all forms of life appeared on Earth. Faith teaches the eruption of the universe 14 billion years ago was from the heart of divine mystery, divine love. Belgian cosmologist Fr Georges Lamaitre, the father of the Big Bang Theory, described the beginning of the universe as the first ‘flaring forth’.
Rather than an expanse of space that contains things, or a set of facts fixed in time, the universe is actually a story of ongoing emergence and creativity. In the early twentieth century, the Hubble telescope revealed the universe continues to develop. Our grappling with this knowledge has never been more important than it is today. In the last two hundred years, human activity has taken excessive control and, above all else, is the pre-eminent force of change in Earth’s atmosphere and living systems. Previously in Earth’s history, major ecological changes were brought about by volcanic activity, the onset of ice ages and the impact of asteroids. The shift in environmental conditions driven by human activity since the onset of modern industrialisation however, is bringing about a mass extinction of species and rapid climate change, effecting every continent and contributing to global inequalities and unrest. The Earth has now warmed an average of 1.1 degrees Celsius, and each year global emissions reach a new record high.
At a time of critical junctures, science and faith together can support an awakening. Passionist Priest Fr Thomas Berry says the creative work of the twenty-first century needs to be the shaping of “a new era of ecological living” (Evening Thoughts, 2006). We could say this involves a big transformation in all areas of life, from a human centred norm of reality to one that delights in the wonder and wellbeing of the whole. A renewed appreciation of our integral belonging lends itself to positive change.
St Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of ecology because he saw the radiance of God in all creation. In about 1224, St Francis of Assisi wrote the Canticle of the Creatures in which he proclaimed Earth, our common home, is like a sister with whom we share life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. The theme of inter-connectedness is developed in the Encyclical letter of Pope Francis, Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home, a Christian response to the cries of the Earth community. A transformational shift necessarily involves acknowledging all parts of creation has inherent value and a unique message for the wellbeing and flourishing of everything else, “for all of us living creatures are dependent on one another” (Laudato Si’ 42).
The Laudato Si Action Platform, launched on November 14th 2021, grew out of the vision for an integrated ecology of life as espoused in the Encyclical letter. It is based on seven goals that cover broad areas for consideration and action: i) Response to the Cry of the Earth, ii) Response to the Cry of the Poor, iii) Ecological economics, iv) Adoption of simple lifestyles, v) Ecological education, vi) Ecological spirituality and vii) Community engagement and participatory action. The Laudato Si Action Platform and its seven goals are for anyone, and various parishes, congregations and groups have signed up and are sharing their responses. St Columbans Mission Society is committed to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
Underpinning the seven goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform is the invitation for Christians and all people of goodwill to recover a depth in life and to support a choice for another type of progress, “one which is healthier, more human, more social, more integral” (Laudato Si 112). Spirituality is a gift in which contemplative rest and prayerful observance protects humans from empty activism and a sense of isolation (Laudato Si 237).
Our lives today are part of the ongoing emergence of God’s creation that can be traced back to the first flaring forth of the universe. “God, who calls us to generous commitment and to give our all, offers us the light and strength needed to continue on our way. In the heart of this world, the Lord of life is always present. God’s love constantly impels us to find new ways forward." (Laudato Si’ 245).
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban PEJ eBulletin
