February 17, Thursday Weekday

Weekday From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth. — Psalm 102:20

Mass Readings: Genesis 9:1-13 / Mark 8:27-33

God the Environmentalist 

God was the first environmentalist! After creating the earth and everything in it, God commanded the man not only to cultivate it, but also to care for it (Gn 2:15). In today’s first reading, we learn that God’s first covenant was entered into not only with Noah and his descendants, but with all living creatures, and indeed, with the earth itself. God’s promise included the assurance that a flood would never again devastate the planet. 

The earth is more than a stage upon which salvation history unfolds. It is an integral part of God’s good creation, tainted by the fall just like humanity, yet also redeemed by Christ and awaiting a glorious consummation (Rom 8:19ff; 2 Pt 3:13). A deep concern for the environment is thus an inescapable part of our Christian calling.

Prayer: Creator-God, help me use and enjoy the earth and its resources without misusing or abusing them.