RELATIONSHIP
“Man has evolved a mutual relationship with nature on earth, but his power to change its surface has grown so tremendously that this may become a curse instead of a blessing.” – Walter Gropius
If we approach nature and the environment without this openness to awe and wonder, if we no longer speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world, our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on their immediate needs. (Pope Francis, LS #11)
Our relationship with the environment can never be isolated from our relationship with others and with God. (Pope Francis, LS #119)
“Let love be sincere. Hate what is evil and hold to whatever is good. Regarding brotherly love, have love for one another. Regarding respect, judge others as more worthy. Regarding your duties, do not be lazy. Be fervent in the Spirit and serve God. Have hope and be cheerful.” (Romans 12:9-12a, Christian Community Bible)
REFLECTION: The meaning of our existence depends on the kind of relationship we have with one another and the whole creation. In faith, we believe that humans were created by God to take good care of His creation, to populate the earth, and to have a relationship with Him. Trust is needed in every loving relationship. Also, our relationship with God is of primary importance because it is an affirmation of our being human. Lastly, our relationship with God grows toward maturity in all aspects of life.
Key Statement: The meaning of our existence depends on the kind of relationship we have with one another and the whole creation.
Personal Challenge: My life makes sense in the realm of relationships.
PRAYER
God of life and love, we thank You for the gift of relationships. Each day is an opportunity for us to love and to be loved. Forgive us Lord if we fail to nurture our relationships because of our selfishness and pride. With Your grace, may we grow in our relationships by loving You through others and the whole creation. Fill our hearts with Your love so that we may share this same love towards others and all other creations. All these things we ask in Your name. 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)
