With the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) Jesus gives a very specific example of what it means to fulfill his commandment “to love our neighbor”. We are to look after the man who was robbed and left for dead. Clearly, compassion and mercy are core to our faith as Christians. But what does that mean when we think of creation as a whole? How could we possibly show that type of compassion and mercy to an entire world of 8 billion souls and so many future generations? I personally think Pope Francis is giving us an answer to these questions with his encyclical Laudato Si’.
So, what to do? We can make changes in our daily lives to live more simply. Supporting the “circular economy” is one way to do that. Here’s some examples:
- Borrow or share. The Buy Nothing app can help connect you.
- Fix it! Repair rather than replace that broken toaster. If you don’t consider yourself handy, get help at a Fix-It clinic offered by Hennepin county or find a repair shop.
- Go thrifting! Goodwill and craigslist are a couple decent local options.
- If the thing you need isn’t locally available, ebay is a good source for used or refurbished stuff.
We can also make changes with where we put our money. If you have a 401k or retirement savings, visit Fossil Free Funds to see if there are less impactful choices you can make. Ask your employer to give better options if they aren’t available. And check out Bank for Good to find a bank that matches your values. These steps will take a bit of effort, but I think you will find it a rewarding journey.
Beyond our personal economies, what Pope Francis is calling on us to do, as a human family, is to change the systems of our world that have created such great inequalities and consumption beyond our means. I want to acknowledge that our historical economic systems aren’t all bad. They have lifted a great many people out of poverty. But now in the 21st century their age is showing. We simply do not have the resources for unlimited growth in this world and we are now experiencing the consequences of burning things as our primary source of energy.
And it’s also important to note that Francis isn’t the only Pope to voice this concern. He begins Laudato Si’ with references to his predecessors. For example, Benedict XVI proposed “eliminating the structural causes of the dysfunctions of the world economy and correcting models of growth which have proved incapable of ensuring respect for the environment”
Tackling global dysfunctions in the world is indeed a heavy lift. What can this mean for little ol’ me? Here too, we can start small. First educate yourself. Find a group already working on these issues to can learn from. One I’ve found is the non-partisan, volunteer-based Citizens’ Climate Lobby. They advocate for Carbon Fee and Dividend. Polluters should pay for what ends up in our air so let’s put a price on fossil fuels. But we want to minimize the impact on ordinary folks, so we give this “carbon cash back” as a dividend to every American. This gets our whole economy working to reduce fossil fuels in favor of cheaper, cleaner alternatives. If this idea or something similar resonates with you, find a role with your group of choice that matches your interest and time, and see what’s possible as part of a team. Maybe you start with just sending off a monthly email to your member of congress.
This may be a lot to consider all at once, so start with just a bite size morsel that works for you. Remember these words from Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Andy Willette
Member of The Basilica Creation Justice Committee