November 7, 2020
Today our nation has spoken about the direction they wish to take in the years ahead. For the Covenant, our partners and supporters, the work begins anew to heal together and to work together to protect God’s creation. As Catholics, we have a covenant with God and with each other to do so. We acknowledge the loss of many in our country today to the pandemic, and we pray for those who mourn the loss of irreplaceable souls. We also pray for a smooth transition and for the new Administration.
We ask for the grace that is needed so that we may all come to respect and care for God’s creation. Laudato Si’ teaches us that everything is connected. In this pandemic year, we are again reminded how true this is. Let us commit ourselves to create a more just and sustainable world together. The earth cries out, and science tells us, that we have no time to waste. Our actions are more critical now than ever.
May we heal and move ahead as one nation with the love and inventiveness that is needed to undo the damage we have done to creation, leaning in to solutions we already know can work, such as renewable energy, and thinking globally as we act locally. Spiritually we must cultivate gratitude for the gift of creation and examine our personal choices, including unsustainable consumption. At the same time, we are called to continued civic engagement and advocating for sustainable policies – elections are only one way to exercise responsible citizenship. We look forward to working with you, the new Congress, and the new Administration to better care for God’s gift of creation.
We have a duty to sustain this gift of nature that was given to all humanity and living creatures. The first words in the Bible give us much hope for the urgent work we have ahead of us, united in strength, peace, and love for the good of all.
In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth— and the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters— Then God said: Let there be light, and there was light. … Evening came, and morning followed—the first day. – Genesis 1: 1-5