Karen Anne B.

Bereña BSN1-D
Lasallian Spirituality October 11, 2021

Laudato Si
Reflection:
In the preceding 200 years, our common home has never been so mistreated and
neglected. The Earth is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth because of
the things that we have done— deforestation, pollution, consumerism, the increased use of
polluting fossil fuels, and spending too much time on the digital world. Plants and species are
also becoming extinct at an alarming rate. Concerned about the current state of the Earth, Pope
Francis has written a letter to everyone on the planet, emphasizing the need of protecting and
caring for the Earth, our shared home, as it is a gift from God. “Laudato Si,” which translates
“Praise be to you,” was the title of this encyclical. It calls for solidarity; for the people to be
aware that their actions harm the world and the people, especially those who are unfortunate.
Laudato Si is a reminder for us to open our eyes and act; to seek God and change our lifestyle
and consumption to achieve a healthier planet and individuals within it.
Among all the topics discussed in the movie, the notion that struck me the most was how
the gap between the rich and the poor continues to rise. The rich people consume more, leaving
more trash, resulting in resource destruction, such as water contamination. The sad part of this
reality is that if these natural resources are contaminated or depleted, the unfortunate would have
nothing to sustain their everyday lives. We are all contributors to climate change, but the poor
individuals have it worst. Furthermore, the video also stressed how our digital environment
pollutes us by ruining our real-life connections, providing diversions, and preventing us from
living wisely. Nevertheless, there is still a light at the end of the tunnel that brings us hope—our
youth.
Today’s youth have always been vocal in promoting ways on how to save our
environment. Several webinars and advocacies were presented on various social media platforms
to reach their common goal, which is to reach a large audience. Because if one act can make a
difference, how much more if all of us would participate? I could never be more proud as I have
participated and witnessed the efforts they have made in making their voices heard, and their
actions recognized. I truly believe that the youth is just our driving force, and it still depends on
each individual to participate. However, who would not want to live in a healthy home? One act
makes a difference, and it is now the right time to do it.
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
1. Are you a friend or enemy of the Earth? What made you say so? 
I am a friend of the Earth because I care for it. Just like my real friends, I want to give the Earth
the best that it deserves. I want to keep it safe and healthy by practicing a zero-waste lifestyle
and encouraging others to do the same. I speak up for the Earth’s protection because I am aware
that over the past years, it was hurt and mistreated. I raise suggestions for recycling our waste so
that it would not hurt the Earth more. I participate in campaigns, join seminars to make it a
healthy environment to live in.
2. How can you improve or better your relationship with Mother Earth?
I can enhance my relationship with Mother Earth by continuing to do what I’m doing
now: living a zero-waste lifestyle and promoting methods to keep it safe. For example, in one of
our group assignments for this topic, we were entrusted with advocating for our shared house as
a group. Personally, I proposed that we campaign for a zero-waste lifestyle since I believe it will
be simpler to promote and produce a video with. The good thing is that we can publish this on
Facebook with the permission of the entire group and reach a larger audience. In this way, we
were able to inspire others to do the same. It is also critical to be aware of the environmental
concerns that exist.