When we learn about people from other countries and cultures, we may see that their lives are touched by inequality, poverty, exclusion, violence and environmental destruction. In the 360VR we have met Dara, a Cambodian child who suffered a disability when a landmine exploded in his hand. In Cambodia, landmines are a part of its violent and tragic past when the country was ruled by the Khmer Rouge.
We can also think about what may happen when a changing climate brings more extreme weather events such as flooding, in turn causing mines to be washed into once cleared fields. This means that other children such as Dara, could also be injured by landmines in the future.
Cambodia is a beautiful country that was once covered in tropical forests, home to many diverse species of animals and plants. Sadly, these forests have been greatly reduced due to deforestation. In fact, deforestation in Cambodia is one of the highest in the world with environmental degradation also occurring in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Due to this, many species are now threatened with extinction. There are many reasons for the deforestation in Cambodia ranging from illegal logging to large scale clearing for big construction projects and agricultural activities.
Creation is God’s first act of Mission and we are all responsible for caring for this wonderful gift. When we love and respect the earth, we also recognise that we a part of the amazing web of creation. In 2015, Pope Francis released an important document called Laudato Si: On Care for our Common Home. In this Pope Francis reminds us “to contaminate the earth’s waters, its land, its air, and its life – these are sins”. For “to commit a crime against the natural world is a sin against ourselves and a sin against God” (LS, 8).
Saint Therese of Lisieux, the patron Saint of Mission also reminds us that we can all play a part in caring for our common home. “She invites us to practise the little way of love, not to miss out on a kind word, a smile or any small gesture which sows peace and friendship”.
Let’s see if we can come up with some ways in which we can help care for our common home.
Write or draw one or two things you can do today to show that you care about the earth.
Your ideas might include:
Some furthers ideas for teachers
Prayer
The Earth is my home. I promise to keep it healthy and beautiful. I will love the land, the air, the water and all living creatures. I will be a defender of creation. United with friends and God, I will take care of our home.
Creator God, We thank you for all your gifts. Thank you for the sky and clouds, for waterways and deserts, For mountains and valleys, For the moon and the stars. Thank you for the gift of the Earth. We make this prayer in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.