Nature expresses a design of love and truth. It is prior to us, and it has been given to us by God as the setting for our life.
- Pope Benedict XVI (Caritas In Veritate, pp. 48)
Many of us are considering ‘what to do for Lent,’ these days. We know it’s not a Christian self-help program… It’s meant to be more.
Last year, I was stuck. I had no idea what God was calling me to do differently for Lent.
While at work one day, an email caught my attention. It included information about an online course studying Laudato Si’, the history-making letter written to every person on Earth by Pope Francis, about responding to ‘the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.’
I signed up right away — not because I’m a hippie, but because I’m a black-thumbed, city-dwelling consumer who’d never read the document and had wanted to study it in a group setting.
Now, I surprise many Catholic friends when I tell them genuinely: the most integrally pro-life, pro-family papal document I’ve ever read — being quite well read in that category —is, in fact, Laudato Si’.
Men and women of our postmodern world run the risk of rampant individualism, and many problems of society are connected with today’s self-centred culture of instant gratification. We see this in the crisis of family and social ties and the difficulties of recognizing the other.
- Pope Francis (Laudato Si’, pp. 162)
God has utterly changed my life ever since I dove into this document; helping me find a deeper beauty and community connection than I’ve had in years. The course opened my eyes; I’d become numb to a multitude of manifestations of the self-centeredness enfolded into our societal values. It helped me infuse my faith into a priceless, new understanding of myself as beloved by our Creator.
I have more hope than ever!
🟣 As a Laudato Si’ Animator (certified by the international Laudato Si’ Movement), I invite you to consider the following Lenten practices, or similar ones tailored to your vocation.
Fasting
Instead of a popular movie, watch The Letter — a fascinating film following five people who received a letter from Pope Francis, none of whom are Catholic.
Turn off ‘consumer auto-pilot’; re-consider at least a few item(s) you regularly purchase. Can you find alternative(s) packaged in less plastic, produced more responsibly, and/or locally produced?
If you’re giving up chocolate, look up responsible chocolate companies (my favorite is Tony’s Chocolonely) to support once Easter arrives.
Prayer
Take your prayer practice outside as often as possible.
Learn about St. Francis of Assisi’s famous prayer and what compelled him to repent and convert toward Christ. How can his story inspire yours?
When praying at mealtime, don’t rush it; take a couple of seconds to consider how many other members of Creation contributed to your meal. Then, give thanks to God!
Almsgiving
Give of your time: sign up for the same course I took. Registration is now open, on-demand & free. (If you live in Texas, the school or church with the most people certified by Sept. 1, 2024 will receive a special ceremony!)
Volunteer in a community garden. (Search online for a location.) Your efforts will help feed someone nutritionally as well as spiritually — knowing their community cares for them.
Offer a donation to the Laudato Si’ Movement, inspiring and mobilizing the Catholic community and all people of good will, to care for our common home.
For by the greatness of the beauty, and of the creature, the creator of them may be seen, so as to be known thereby. (Wisdom 13:5)
So grateful for your introduction to the Laudato Si community and your leadership, Angela. ❤️