Reflections in NIP communities on Laudato Si connecting to SDGs and our Ministry
DATE :14THDecember 2021
CREATE A SACRED SPACE CREATIVELY on the 4th theme
Place a lighted lamp, a picture of factories and slums depicting development and degradation of human living, a potted plant depicting the fauna, picture of Mother earth being made bare for development, book of the SDG goals.
Integrate environment and development
1. Opening chant/Bhajan/hymn/quiet soothing music to set space for the reflection into action. ‘The cry of the poor’ or ‘who will speak if you don’t’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cfBWjltR0A
2. Share and say “How am I feeling right now?” my inner space of my being. Feel free and at ease to share honestly your space within.
3. Introduction 4th Key Theme and Approach of 2030 agenda through the Lens of Laudato Si:
“Integrating environment and development” connecting it to the SDGs keeping in mind our Ministries ,our people and ourselves connected to each goal and Laudato Si.sis
Introduction:
Laudato Si’ calls for an integral ecology that integrates social and environmental justice. We all have responsibility to care for creation for current and future generations. We recognise the scientific consensus around climate change and must tackle it with urgency.
We are called to imitate God’s generosity in sacrifice and good works (LS 220) and to be co-creators, developing our God-given capacities. which will include to reduce waste, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, promote circular modes of production and to protect agriculture, biodiversity in oceans and on land (LS 20-42).
We have a responsibility to future generations: “Each community can take from the bounty of the earth whatever it needs for subsistence, but it also has the duty to protect the earth and to ensure its fruitfulness for coming generations” (LS 67). “Projects for integral human development cannot ignore coming generations but need to be marked by solidarity and intergenerational justice” (CV 48).
Social justice and environmental justice need to be addressed together. “[A] true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor
Engaging in the 2030 Agenda through the lens of Laudato Si’ lets see how SDGs are connected with Laudato Si
Integrate environment and development
SDGs :
· Goal 2.End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
· Goal 6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
· Goal 7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
· Goal 9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
· Goal 11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
· Goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
· Goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
· Goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
· Goal 15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Challenges
What could be challenges for us in our personal, community life and our Ministry?
Laudato Si’ challenges current models of development that lead to environmental degradation and calls for greater honesty, justice, lifestyle changes and commitments by the international community
Questions for reflection on our life style... like
1. We need to look at our own lifestyles (LS 22-23) as each economic transaction, including every purchase, is a moral decision – not just an economic one
2. We need greater and urgent political action and to tackle vested interests as “Many of those who possess more resources and economic or political power seem mostly to be concerned with masking the problems or concealing their symptoms, simply making efforts to reduce some of the negative impacts of climate change” (LS 26).
3. Species are not just resources but have intrinsic value (LS 33, 140). They are part of the ecosystem: if one part is lost, we all suffer. Their loss is a loss to future generations (LS 95).
How can you do the above in your life?
4. Put some questions for contemplative dialogue for your community. And instruct them to respond with “We “responses connecting Laudato Si and SDGs to our life in community and Ministry that we are involved in.(which are Doable actions and activities taking Laudato Si and SDGs going with the Key Theme.).(The JC of the community can share this Laudato Si chapter reflection connecting to SDGs with the community members 2 to 3 days before 2nd Tuesday of every month.
Questions for reflection:
1. As the Presentation family, what steps could we take to improve the environmental degradation?
2. How could we help to reduce the poisonous gases emitted and to improve the climate change?
3. How could we protect and promote biodiversity in the ocean and on the land?
4. How can we conscientize people involved with us in the ministries in protecting the environment today?
Suggestion: Revisit the Blue book of ‘small things to do’
Doable precise Actions:
· ..........
· ............
· ......................
5. Give each one the space and time to share and affirming each one with a positive regard.
6. The community JC or she designates another member of the community who Notes down the key points of the reflections/ within a week.)
7. The leader conducting the prayer closes the prayer with a closing prayer /Hymn /Ritual to the 4th key theme of Laudato Si and SDGs connected to it.
Concluding Hymn:
‘Prabhu Thera Pyar’or ‘Dil ke Mandir’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-gznsXVzyQ