Biodiversity Through God's Eyes

“Undergirding the tremendous variation among creatures

lies the shared identity of belonging to God.” ~Elizabeth Johnson

Human beings have catalogued about 8.7 million species of living beings on Planet Earth, although the reality is estimated to far exceed this. In the past, between one and five species went extinct each year, but now, because of what Pope Francis called “short-sighted approaches to the economy, commerce and production,” close to 100 species/day disappear. Why were so many species here to begin with? Why should we care about the losses? And is there anything can we do about them?

Christian spirituality offers answers to each of these questions and we will explore them in this evening of reflection. In 2015, Pope Francis published a watershed letter to the world, Laudato sì, calling all of us to see the planet differently – as one complex communion of interrelationships and ways of being. We have a message to hear from each being with whom we share the planet. We have a moral and spiritual obligation to support each other in living fully. We join our praise to that of all God’s creatures, each voice adding an irreplaceable, unique quality to the song.

This evening of reflection will offer spiritual support for a turning from destruction to the protection and restoration of the vast biodiversity of our natural home. To power ecological justice, we will root ourselves in God through prayer, discussion, art and reflection on Laudato Sì and the writings of Elizabeth Johnson. We will mourn and we will also be uplifted, inspired as we see biodiversity through God’s eyes.

About Your Facilitator: Bernadette grew up on a farm in the woods of Pennsylvania and has known God in many landscapes across the US. She is an avid gardener and advocate for sustainability, committed to mercy and respectful dialogue.