# Heading Home Together: Walking in Praise with Pope Francis
*2015-10-23*

> Bill Young reflects on Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home, urging listeners to love one another and protect the planet, and offers a brief prayer and personal challenge.

## Walking in Praise with Pope Francis

Welcome to the Prayer at Lunch podcast. I’m Bill Young, and today—Friday, October 23—we continue our series on walking in praise with Pope Francis, focusing on his message about caring for our common home. This is day 26 of the series, titled “Heading Home Together.” Pope Francis reminds us that our purpose is to show love to all, following the model of Christ, whose whole life was devoted to bringing us to the Father.

## A Call to Protect Our Planet

When we imitate Christ’s example by honoring one another, our goal becomes ensuring a healthy planet for everyone. Every person deserves a decent place to live, meaningful work, and peaceful coexistence in a world that supports and celebrates life. All thoughts of domination pale in comparison to this divine mandate to care for creation.

## Ponder and Act

Take a moment to ask yourself: Is there one thing I can do today to make my neighborhood a better place? Even a small act of kindness or stewardship can contribute to the larger mission of caring for our common home.

## Prayer

God of creation, help me to remember my part in your plan. Grant me the grace to follow the example of your Son in everything I do, that I may reflect your light to others. Amen.

*Each of us is called to love and protect one another and the earth, turning small daily actions into a shared journey toward God.*