The effects of global warming and climate change are real. Pope Francis, upon listening seriously to the “cry” of all sectors of the world, and inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, he came up with this encyclical letter, Laudato Si’, on the care of our common home,” addressed “to all people of good will,” on May 24, 2015. Our dear Pope was and continuously inviting us towards conversion and challenges us to go back to the values of our ancestors as regards their relationship to the earth as their kin. These reflections and prayers in the light of Laudato Si’ are my humble action and contribution in response to the invitation of Pope Francis and the call of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on the faithful to renew their commitment as stewards of creation. Every year, the Season of Creation is held from September 1 to October 4, around the world which culminates on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology. But in the Philippines, the Church’s observance of the Season of Creation this year will be until October 10 for the integration of the Indigenous Peoples Day.
To observe and celebrate the Season of Creation, Filcatholic will be posting 26 themes (with reflections, challenges and prayers) prepared by Mr. Romano Bulatao beginning today (September 9) until the feast day of St Francis of Assisi (October 4).
ACCOUNTABILITY
“A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” – Thomas Pain
This rediscovery of nature can never be at the cost of the freedom and responsibility of human beings who, as part of the world, have the duty to cultivate their abilities in order to protect it and develop its potential. (Pope Francis, LS #78)
“So each of us will account for himself before God.”
(Romans 14:12, Christian Community Bible)
REFLECTION : All people are accountable in every action they make. This accountability begins with oneself, with others, with the environment, and with God. For ourselves, we need to take care and nourish our physical and spiritual needs by not abusing our body through overwork and by nurturing our spirituality through religious acts of charity. As to our accountability with others, we need to accept others as they are. The environment is also considered a marginalized other. We must take good care of the environment not only because we need it for survival but also because it is a gift from God which is considered sacred.
Key Statement: Accountability begins with oneself, with others, with the environment, and with God.
Personal Challenge: My accountability with God is expressed through the care of myself, others, and environment.
PRAYER
God of all creation, we thank You for entrusting the earth to us. Help us to be responsible for the gift of life mirrored in Your creation. Guide us to be on guard all the time so that we may constantly enhance our sense of accountability. Amen.
ROMANO M. BULATAO is a Professor at Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio City. He completed his AB Philosophy in 1990 at the Saint Anthony Mary Claret College (SAMCC), Quezon City; MA Religious Studies in 2003, and MA Philosophy in 2014, both in SLU; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology, Major in Missiology, at the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA) – SAMCC in 2021. Mr. Bulatao served as the Department Head of Religion at SLU (2006-2009); and President of the Kapatirang Claretiano Inc. – Pangasinan Chapter (KCI-PC), since 2011. He is the author of the book entitled Touching Thoughts A-Z published in 2009; translator of the Novena to Saint Anthony Mary Claret (from Pangasinan language to English) published in 2015; and the Novena kay San Antonio Maria Claret (from Pangasinan language to Filipino) published in 2020 by the Claretian Publications. ((romanobulatao@yahoo.com)
