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.
�
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�
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