# Reaching Out: All Creatures Are Connected
*2015-10-19*

> Bill Young reflects on Pope Francis’ call to see every creature as part of a family, urging listeners to appreciate God’s gifts and extend love to those we might otherwise ignore.

## Walking in Praise with Pope Francis

In today’s episode we continue our “Walking in Praise” series, focusing on Day 22: Reaching Out. Pope Francis reminds us that all creatures are connected and worthy of love and respect. He warns that our relentless drive to dominate nature not only harms the environment but also dehumanizes us, stripping people of homes, livelihoods, and dignity.

## The Call to Interconnectedness

Francis teaches that when we recognize ourselves as part of a larger family of creation, we begin to cooperate and live together responsibly. This vision challenges the mindset of control and exploitation, inviting us to restore humanity by caring for one another and for the earth.

## Ponder for the Day

Can I try today to look closely at someone I might otherwise ignore and see them as family? This simple question invites us to practice the love and respect Pope Francis speaks of, extending it to those we often overlook.

## Prayer

God of creation, help me not to want more and more, but to appreciate the many gifts you have already given me. Help me to share these gifts with others.

*Seeing every creature as family transforms how we treat the world and each other.*