ECOLOGY
“The first law of ecology is that everything is related to everything else.” – Barry Commoner
I believe that Saint Francis is the example par excellence of care for the vulnerable and of an integral ecology lived out joyfully and authentically. He is the patron saint of all who study and work in the area of ecology, and he is also much loved by non-Christians. (Pope Francis, LS #10)
Francis helps us to see that an integral ecology calls for openness to categories which transcend the language of mathematics and biology, and take us to the heart of what it is to be human. (Pope Francis, LS #11)
“To the Lord belongs the earth and its fullness the world and all that dwell in it.” (Psalms 24:1, Christian Community Bible)
REFLECTION: Ecology is very important because it implies the understanding of how all things in the world are interrelated. It is in ecology that a dynamic movement is evident. Basically, all things need each other for survival. However, there is more than just survival, for there is a dynamic movement towards the recognition that all the things in creation are unique, and equally important. Ecology is also a venue to locate where we are and to understand our role in creation or nature. Ultimately, we must not unjustly put ourselves above all creation. In fact, a person cannot survive without nature, but nature can survive even without the person. Nature is our house and we need to protect our house to have a safe place to live in.
Key Statement: Ecology implies the understanding that all things in the world are interrelated.
Personal Challenge: I need to value the interrelatedness of all things around me.
PRAYER
God of the earth, we praise You that through Your creative hand, we enjoy all the things in creation. Grant us the strength that we may help in the preservation of the ecology. May all people work hand in hand, for the restoration of the environment. Create in us a generous heart to be faithful to You by protecting the biodiversity of ecology. May we not forget that we, too, are very much part of the universe. We humbly bring You all our prayers. 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)
