Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Kathleen Murphy begins another series of posts on the Holy Father’s monthly intentions. This month the intention is inspired by St. Francis. Read more.
Welcome to another year of Just Gospel! This column began as a way to look at the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions from a perspective of peace and justice. Fr. Michael Lasky, OFM Conv. writes: In considering justice, peace and the integrity of creation, we must begin from a place of faith and trust in a God who is aware and concerned with all that happens. So, clearly social justice issues are also identifiable as faith issues. As Franciscans, living the Gospel faithfully requires awareness and active discipleship regarding the world around us. The intentions recommended by the Holy Father speak clearly of the link between faith and the Gospel way of life. By way of clarification, Pope Leo has not changed any of Pope Francis’ intentions for the remainder of 2025 so we will use those through December and then begin with Pope Leo’s new list for 2026.
This month’s intention is: That, inspired by St. Francis, we experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
Some may read this petition and with a sigh exclaim, “Again, with the tree hugging ecology stuff! I recycle, so what more do you want?” Well, the Holy Fathers (both Pope Francis and Pope Leo) want more. The Church calls us to a fuller understanding and practice of care for creation. Note the following points in regard to science, faith and Laudato Si´.
- Each creature has its own purpose. None is superfluous. …The ultimate purpose of other creatures is not to be found in us. Rather, all creatures are moving forward with us and through us towards a common point of arrival, which is God. Laudato Si´
- Humankind is depriving whole species from fulfilling their purpose, not only ecologically but, if one is moved by the Pope’s teaching, spiritually as well. Andrew Wetzler, Senior Vice President of Nature
- Extinction, unlike so many of the other ills that afflict our earth (even climate change) cannot be reversed. Humanity needs to do all it can to limit the damage we’ve done and save as many creatures as possible: for their sake. Natural Resources Defense Council
- We Christians, together with the other monotheistic religions, believe that the universe is the fruit of a loving decision by the Creator, who permits man respectfully to use creation for the good of his fellow men and for the glory of the Creator; he is not authorized to abuse it, much less to destroy it. In all religions, the environment is a fundamental good.” Pope Francis’ Address to U.N. General Assembly, New York, Sept. 26, 2015
We are drawing close to the end of the Franciscan Jubilee year celebrating the Canticle of the Creatures. In this beautiful prayer-poem Francis rejoices in our place in the family tree of creation and challenges us to honor these relationships with all created things. It seems that St. Francis, Pope Francis and Pope Leo would all have had some wonderful conversations with Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Tribe. Let us find a place in that conversation as we ponder one of this Native American’s most famous and profound quotes: “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”
