HEALING
“We have to heal our wounded world. The chaos, despair, and senseless destruction we see today are a result of the alienation that people feel from each other and their environment.” – Michael Jackson
The loss of forests and woodlands entails the loss of species which may constitute extremely important resources in the future, not only for food but also for curing disease and other uses. (Pope Francis, LS #32)
“To achieve such reconciliation, we must examine our lives and acknowledge the ways in which we have harmed God’s creation through our actions and our failure to act. We need to experience a conversion, or change of heart”. (Pope Francis, LS #218)
“But now I will apply a remedy and a healing. I will cure them and make them enjoy peace and truth.” (Jeremiah 33:6, Christian Community Bible)
REFLECTION: Natural calamities have been occurring intensively which have caused many deaths of people and the destruction of other creations. Since we have not been taking good care of our environment, the outcome is becoming worse than ever. We have been experiencing the devastating effects of global warming and climate change. We do hope that we have learned our lesson because of these untoward events. We need to stop the bleeding. We need to heal the damages we have caused our environment. There is a need to seek forgiveness not only with ourselves but also to reconcile with nature and God.
Key Statement: We need to heal the damages we have caused our environment.
Personal Challenge: I must participate in the healing process of the damages done to nature.
PRAYER
One with Your creation, renew our body, mind, and spirit. May we heal the wounds of our environment by living a healthy lifestyle, and by promoting various earth-friendly activities. May we build friendship with creation and enjoy life in all its fullness. 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)
