Day 30: A Drop of Change

BY ROMAN GIOGLIO | March 30, 2017
Today’s Readings

The complexities of today’s environmental injustices and the interconnectivity of them to all things and people, rich to poor, reveals an imperative call to action.

Digging deeper unveils the question: how can we possibly reverse this cataclysmic ‘throw-away culture’? (Laudato Si’, 22). Pope Francis warns “once we lose our humility, and become enthralled with the possibility of limitless mastery over everything, we inevitably end up harming society and the environment” (Laudato Si’, 224).

Furthermore, in today’s Gospel reading we are reminded, “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son” to save us (JN 3:16). As a community, we must care for this home that God gifted and loves.

LadyDragonflyCC via Flickr

As a student catalyst for change at Walsh Jesuit High school, I am humbled by how my community has embraced the complex ways in which we are guilty of environmental injustice. This movement started small with one boy, terrified by the complexity of the issue but inspired to work for change, and it has begun to transform an entire school community.

This tall-task begins with a realignment of our values towards love and care for God’s creation. From this love, we can move toward universal solidarity in order to cultivate action against environmental injustices. We must begin to make big change by divesting in big oil companies and switching to renewable energies, but also making small change, which is just as pivotal, by recycling, switching to reusable products (water bottles, tupperware, shopping bags etc.), and being aware of consumption habits—combatting our society’s “throw-away culture,” one small act at a time.

“How does my drop of change in an ocean of problems make a difference?”

We must remind ourselves: there is no one action or person that will completely change the tides of this ocean. The bucket of change takes time to fill, it takes persistence, and it requires that everyone rise up in community and add their drop, no matter how big or small.

 

2 replies
  1. Liz
    Liz says:

    Very encouraging indeed to read how you allowed your experience to alter your life and now you are impacting others as well. Thank you and mya you continue to follow Spirit’s lead in your life.

    Reply

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