Cry of the Earth and Cry of the Poor
Introduction
We will soon complete the 3rd year of our 7 year commitment to prayer and action in response to Laudato Si’. As we enter into this time of “Post Election”, let us renew our commitment to respond to the “Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor” as called for by Pope Francis, knowing our God of Creation and of the Poor will continue to guide and strengthen us in our efforts.
Song: I Will Not Leave You Comfortless by Jan Phillips
I will not leave you comfortless. I will not leave you alone. I am the air you breathe in. I’m the light of every star and every dawn.
Reflection Material
Both the Catholic Climate Covenant and the Laudato Si’ Movement worldwide, issued a Post Election Statement.
“As people of faith dedicated to caring for our common home and protecting vulnerable communities, Catholic Climate Covenant and Laudato Si’ Movement acknowledge our country’s complex and varied perspectives. With the election of President-elect Donald Trump, we renew our commitment to the values of our faith. Honoring our Creator, caring for each other, and protecting our common home remain our guiding principles.
In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on caring for our common home, the Holy Father writes, “Underlying the principle of the common good is respect for the human person as such, endowed with basic and inalienable rights ordered to his or her integral development. It has also to do with the overall welfare of society.” We can and must act for the common good.
We will continue to work together with our many driven and passionate members and leaders to build our power and ability to impact change. Our faith and witness in Christ call us forward into prophetic advocacy. In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis writes, “The demands that rise up from below throughout the world, where (people) from very different countries help and support one another, can end up pressuring the sources of power.” This is our strength.”
And so we pray this afternoon in support of all these efforts and in gratitude for the partnership we have with “Catholic Climate Covenant” through our financial support.
Contemplative Prayer—Focus on your breath/breathe in God’s Love/breath out God’s Love—10 minutes
Intercessions
That Catholic Climate Covenant be strengthened and encouraged in their effort to inspire, equip and empower the Catholic community and all people of good will to the action needed to protect our common home and future generations, we pray:
That we, Victory Noll Sisters and our companions, be renewed and never tire of making our contribution to care for the Earth and of the Poor, individually and corporately through prayer and action as the Holy Spirit moves our hearts, we pray:
That government leaders be inspired to find a way to end the injustice, violence and destruction in the Holy Land, we pray:
That hatred and violence in our own country be overcome with love and efforts toward reconciliation, we pray:
That we may be open to God working within us to bring about positive change, we pray:
All powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey toward your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, peace and love. (Prayer by Pope Francis)
Contemplative Prayer
Closing Song
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