Jesus Style Eco-Mission
3 MARCH 2014 | ADULT FAITH NEWS
By Dr Charles Rue
Pope Francis’ recent Exhortation asked Catholics to renew themselves and their communities to better spread the Gospel. He placed our meeting with the person of Jesus as our starting point. Introducing the person of Jesus to others is our goal.
For the last 25 years I have worked to integrate the Gospel with environmental issues as part of my mission as a Columban. Working to integrate ecological insights into my faith has opened to a new pathway to know that I am loved by God in the natural world which upholds and sustains me.It has expanded the message of Good News I share with others.
I have been tempted to ‘go softly’ on the environmental message of the Gospelfor fear of upsetting people. But the words of Jesus urge me on: Go … I am with you until the end of time (Mt 28 19-20). I find these some of the most encouraging words Jesus spoke.What I hear:I have taught you and continue to nurture you. Make your way in the world. Don’t be afraid. My Spirit will be with you. I trust you.
Recent Popes have spoken about ecological conversion and ecological vocation. The way Jesus lived has helped me follow through on what the Popes taught, helped me put flesh on the bones oftheirtheological statements.
Jesus spoke with authority (Mk 1:22). Into this age of new ecological awareness and environmental threats, I have been sentand feel confident to enter the debate. My courage to act comes from being part of the mission of Jesus given by his Father.
Jesus said he was a Teacher (Jn 13:13). As a teacher I too am called to make connections between ecological insights andthe way humanity is abusing the Earth.In his day Jesus used nature parables to teach from his knowledge of the natural world. Now I must try to use the insights of science.
Jesus was a Prophet (Jn 4:19).He was not afraid to drive the tax collectors from the temple with a whip, confront the religious leaders of his day or speak to a foreign woman. In the Bible the role of prophets was to point to the consequences of injustices, often boldly acting out their message like an eccentric demonstrator.
Jesus preached about the Kingdom among us (Lk 17:20). God’s presence with us is the Good News. Now, ecology tells us thatthe whole cosmos and all on earth aregifted with God-given life. The earth offers a revelationand opens a spiritual pathway. As a gift, it is neither to be despoiled nor owned but respected and loved.
Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:14). He had compassion for the bewildered, sheep without a shepherd. Sowing doubt and confusion is one of the most diabolic tactics of those who delay action on human caused climate change. Learning from the words of Jesus, I see that they take the ‘Father of all Lies’ for their godin conspiring to mislead the public.
Jesus did not crush the bruised reed (Mt 12:20). Jesus was patient with those who were muddled or searching. We too can recognise there are different entry points to recognising nature as gift, from animal lovers to one-issue scientists. The outsider for Jesus was not far from God in their search for what affirms life.
Jesus called God Father (Mk 14:36). In his religious context, Jesus was radical in the way he related to his Father as Daddy. He told a new story. Science today reveals a New Cosmic Story. Fr Tom Berry revealed in the New Story that we are totally inter-connected with geological and biological history. The Big History Project at Macquarie University tells a similar story. We are stardust and animal, part of an evolving consciousness that is rooted in matter. We embody incarnation.
Jesus offers a model for living out our ecological vocation,offering comfort and understanding, call and courage. He is within us as we live out our particular part in his Mission.