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Peace and Justice - Summer 2008

Justice and Peace Corner

Br. John Kerr, T.O.R.

When I started my car today in the grocery store parking lot, I thought �what a privilege�.� Not shopping, of course�that�s one of my least favorite things.� But driving, being able to take the car I use anywhere I want, even knowing what it costs to fill the gas tank.� However, I don�t think I will ever view driving the same way now that gas is $4. a gallon and rising.� It�s taken the $4. threshold to help me appreciate filling my tank.� Yesterday it cost $74. to fill the van.� And that is still a bargain compared to Europeans who pay $8. a gallon and people in Turkey who pay $11. a gallon.� The poor, as always, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere in the world will suffer the most.

It has only been in the last couple of years that I have become more aware of what burning fossil fuels, such as gas, do to our environment.� Scientists universally agree that burning fuel has a huge impact on warming our earth.� The problem seems dire with the advent of more cars in developing countries, more degradation of oxygen-giving trees and more burning of fossil fuels.� As a Franciscan who cares for creation and an American who believes anything is possible, I have hope that we can reverse our course.

What can we do as a community?� Fundamentally, I think communication is essential.� For example, when I went to the grocery store today I forgot to ask if the video we saw Saturday night had to be returned.� I was within walking distance of the video store, but my lack of communication meant another brother needed to return it.� How many times during the week are we going to similar places as other friars by car?� Do I ask to buy this or deliver that, or even want to be bothered since my individual agenda is so important?

What about our travel choices?� Driving alone or flying in a passenger jet rank as the least climate friendly ways to get around.� Sometimes I think it�s possible to combine long-distance trips.� The speed at which we drive is also directly related to the amount of gas we consume.� Every five miles over 55 that we drive consumes another 20% of gas.� We can learn to slow down.

A new day demands a new approach to life.� What I offer are some ways to save money, but more importantly ways to reverence God�s gift of creation.� �Environmental care is a matter of justice and the survival of all species, equally dignified before God,� says Michael Perry, OFM.� �In Francis� view of the world, nature inhabits us, it dwells within us and shapes our every thought, the choices we make and the actions we take. Nature stands in direct relationship to the human community, providing opportunities for the survival and the well-being of all human persons - all human beings equally. The absence of justice in relationships within the human community, for Francis, leads to extreme forms of degradation of the natural environment.�

I think we all appreciate nature and Francis� sacred approach to all life.� In that appreciation, I pray we do our part to lead in ways of preserving the earth.

John�������������������������������������������������������������������������������


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