Then God said: “…Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air,…and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.” Genesis 1:26
My house is one hundred years old. Its history matters to me. People built it with care and attention. My family and those before us lived and loved here. Because of that, I feel a responsibility to the house. When it needs repair, we fix what we can, replace what we must and make changes with a light touch.
Do we do the same with the earth? Creation is God’s gift to us—ours to enjoy but not to exploit. St. John Paul II said that Christians must realize that “their duty towards nature and the Creator, are an essential part of their faith.” This is an important responsibility, like parenting or preserving an heirloom. After all, the earth has been home to every one of God’s children— even to Jesus himself! It is ours to protect and pass on.
Creator God, help us care for the world you made.
Karla Manternach
Originally published February 7, 2023
