Reflection

The Cry of the Earth the Cry of the Poor Social Justice Statement 2021-22

The Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, affirms that 'we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour'. It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations.

The Social Justice Statement 2021-22 provides theological foundations to ground and inspire efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded. 

In the Statement, the Bishops invite the whole Catholic community to join them in taking up Pope Francis’ invitation to a seven-year journey towards total ecological sustainability, guided by seven Laudato Si’ Goals. These Goals are: response to the cry of the earth; response to the cry of the poor; ecological economics; sustainable lifestyles; ecological spirituality; ecological education; and community engagement and participatory action.

The Statement especially encourages Catholic families, communities and organisations to do the following: listen to the First Nations; reflect on the theological foundations offered in Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor; and plan their next steps towards the Laudato Si’ Goals.

Various Christian denominations now celebrate the Season of Creation beginning with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on 1 September and continuing until 4 October, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology. While this Season of Creation is not an official liturgical season like Lent or Easter in our Catholic liturgical calendar, Pope Francis has encouraged us to make this a special time of prayer and action, in common with others, in caring for our common home.

At Nazareth College, the theme of this Social Justice Statement is addressed in the curriculum. The College has a number of Social Justice activities to help the poor. At present the College is exploring ways of assisting Afghan refugees. Nazareth College is currently partnering with S.E.A.M. to reduce it’s ecological footprint, including use of solar panels. S.E.A.M. is a social enterprise inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and Laudato Si. They seek to: proactively care for our common home, promote socio-economic equality and foster future stewards of our planet.

In our own lives, may we increase our efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded.

Holy Family of Nazareth – Be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth – Help us to grow in faith, wisdom and knowledge.

This reflection was based on the material provided in the site below. You can also access the Social Justice Statement from this site too.

https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2021/06/24/social-justice-statement-2021-22/