REFLECTION PAPER

We are young so our Mother Earth and our older siblings endeavor
to teach us. They all seemed to die of starvation. Some had plastic in
their stomachs. Each year, migrating birds return sooner than
expected bringing exotic species we’ve not seen here before with them.
Storms are stronger and more frequent. The Earth’s systems are
bringing us information about how we are harming them, but we have
failed to listen in any way that has, so far, lead to helpful change.

Along with what Earth herself is showing us, there has been an
unceasing flow of scientific studies reporting the ravaging effects of
human behavior on Earth. One million species are under threat of
extinction because of human behavior. Through their careful study of
Earth’s ecological systems, the UN team of scientists confirms what
we’ve heard before: all planetary systems are connected. Human
health, human economics, health of water ways, survival of individual
species, are all part of one flowing system to which we have
responsibilities.

Like an ideal mother, Earth does not hold a grudge. Once the
destruction stops, recovery begins, often at surprising rates. Although
some damage is beyond hope, some lakes thought dead come back to
life, shores flooded with oil recover, and even forests irradiated show
signs of healing.

Humans will always be among Earth’s youngest children, but with

attention, Divine Providence, and simple maturity, we will begin to
anticipate the effects of our reckless behavior, grow into our power,
and make thoughtful efforts to put our love for Mother Earth and for
our siblings of all species into loving actions.