Question

3. Explain and discuss the implications of Franciscan values for engaging the contemporary world.

Answer 1

Pope John Paul IInd, launched Catholic concern for the environment with his 1990, World Day of Peace Message, The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility. He articulated new ethical duties for Catholics, indeed for the whole human family. In this article, I interpret theses duties in light of the 800 year old Franciscan theological tradition.

We all see that man can destroy the foundation of his existence, his earth hence that we can no longer simply do what we like or what seems useful and promising at the time with this earth of ours, with the reality entrusted to us. This is a first criterion to learn, that being itself, our earth speaks to us and we must listen if we want to survive and decipher this message of earth.

In my opinion, Francis was not a practical man, and if we mimicked his approach today, we would have neither agriculture nor modern society. His example reminds us, however that our fundamental calling as human being is to be creatures of God, living in relationship to creator and creation according to the Gospel. As human being we have been always depended upon creation, but now because of human capacity for environmental destruction, creation’s survival depends upon our care. We can live apart from creation, yet our collective behaviour indicates we are unaware or unconcerned about its integrity.

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