Urban Way of the Cross: Climate Crisis

The heavens are yours, the earth is also yours; The world and all that is in it – you have founded them. (Psalm 89:11)

Praise the Lord from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl; Kings of the earth and all peoples! . . . Praise the Lord! ( Psalm 148:7-11, 14)

Reflection: 'The Wisdom Not to Turn Away'



Standing with our feet planted in the 21st century, in the age of climate change, we gaze not upon Christ the man, but upon creation itself - Crucified by the injustice and violence of our world.. . I believe that one of the primary things Christ gives to us on the cross… Is the wisdom to know that in the deliberate act of not turning away – away from that which we wish were not true and we would rather not see - We find what is most fundamental to our individual and collective transformation.

A Prayer for Our Earth

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 towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.   - Pope Francis (Laudato Si)

[Clara Sims is a member of the board of directors of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light.

Joan Brown,  a Franciscan sister of the  Rochester, Minn., community, is executive director of NMIPL]