Many of our communities in Nigeria suffer flooding. We cry, “God, save us from flood!” But we must also ask: Who blocked the drainage? Who filled the gutters with plastic? Who cut down the trees? Our environmental crisis is often worsened by our own irresponsibility.
Today’s readings remind us that creation is God’s handiwork. Wisdom tells us that through the beauty of created things, we can recognise their Creator. St Paul goes further: “All things were created through him and for him.” Creation belongs to Christ; we are its stewards. St Francis of Assisi understood this beautifully. He called the sun his brother, the moon his sister, the earth his mother, and the creatures around him his brothers and sisters. He did not worship creation; he saw in it the goodness of the Creator.
If we shared this vision, could we so easily pollute our rivers, destroy our forests, burn our land or litter our streets? The Gospel presents Christ calming the storm. Today, he challenges us to calm the storms created by our greed, waste and carelessness. Let us recover the Franciscan spirit: consume less, waste less, protect more, and give thanks. The earth is God’s gift. Let us not turn God’s gift into garbage. Amen.
Fr. Kingsley Nze
Director of Pastoral Affairs
Comments (0)
Security Check
Please complete the captcha to verify you are human.