Through Lent with Pope Francis
The majority of people living on our planet profess to be believers. This should spur religions to dialogue among themselves for the sake of protecting nature, defending the poor, and building networks of respect and fraternity. Dialogue among the various sciences is likewise needed, since each can tend to become enclosed in its own language, while specialization leads to a certain isolation and the absolutization of its own field of knowledge. This prevents us from confronting environmental problems effectively.
An open and respectful dialogue is also needed between the various ecological movements, among which ideological conflicts are not infrequently encountered. The gravity of the ecological crisis demands that we all look to the common good, embarking on a path of dialogue which demands patience, self-discipline and generosity, always keeping in mind that “realities are greater than ideas”.
Laudato si’ 143, 201
Scripture
Ephesians 1:17-18 NIV
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people…
Thought for Today
Pope Francis calls each of us to dialogue, to open hearts and minds to listen to each other, to communicate and discern what and how God is speaking to us, individually and collectively, in the call to address the struggles of humanity and of mother earth.
Do I find it hard to listen to those with different opinions?
Where might I need to open my heart to hear God speaking?
How might I be called to respond?
Can I share these struggles with my God?
How does God respond?
Music
Speak Lord I am listening, John Miller