Chapter Chats: Caring for Creation
There is nothing that I like more than a cup of coffee and a good book to curl up with. This week's Chapter Chat is Caring for Creation: Inspiring Words from Pope Francis. The book is published by Franciscan media.
Ever since the Pope's inaugural Mass, he has lived out a mission to care for the earth that God has given us. From releasing Laudato Si to actively living a pro-life mission, Pope Francis truly aspires to his namesake. The book is composed of the Pope's personal writings, encyclicals, prayers, homilies and tweets that show his passion for God's creation.
The introduction sets the tone for the book, saying, "Still, Pope Francis's message is ultimately one of hope...Pope Francis's words reveal that he believe we can move towards a new kind of conversion - a higher level of consciousness, action and advocacy that will spark a 'bold cultural revolution'".
The book is divided into five chapters: God's Loving Plan for Creation, Everything is Connected, The Roots of Consequences of the Current Crisis, Called to Protect God's Handiwork, and Towards a Healthier Planet.
I'm definetly a Pope Saint John Paul II girl, as proven by my love for NFP, Theology of the Body and Babies. However, when Pope Francis mentions the environment though, he is not diverging from the path that JPII showed the world. Instead of viewing the environment as something that does not include human beings, Pope Francis examines the environment with a holistic approach that includes the humans that live on this earth. He means to connect nature with society for a more appreciative view of the gifts God has given us.
We are speaking of an attitude of the heart, one which approaches life with serene attentiveness, which is capable of being fully present to someone without thinking of what comes next, which accepts each moment as a gift from God to be lived to the full. - Laudato Si' 225-226. May 24, 2015
The book would make a great read for the New Year to accompany your New Year's Resolutions. We're all called to a greater appreciation of the gifts that God gives us and Pope Francis's words make a great companion on that journey.
Pick up a copy today and let me know what you think...and, can you pass the coffee?