# Ecology of the Heart: How Our Relationships Shape Care for Creation
*2016-10-10*

> Bill Young reflects on Pope Francis’ call to link our love for God and each other with care for the environment, and offers a prayer and meditation on seeing Christ in every person.

## Opening Prayer and Context

Good morning, I’m Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer & Lunch. Today we continue our series on Pope Francis’ encyclical *Laudato Si’*, focusing on day 16. On Sunday we celebrated the feast of St. John XXIII, a pope whose leadership of the Second Vatican Council reshaped the Church.

## Ecology of the Heart

The theme for today is “Ecology of the Heart.” Our relationship with God and with one another informs how we treat the environment. Pope Francis repeatedly reminds us that the biblical concept of dominion is not domination. True stewardship means caring for creation as a gift, not as property to be owned.

He warns that concern for the planet is empty if we ignore our responsibility toward the poorest and most vulnerable neighbors. Our call is not merely to improve conditions for ourselves but for everyone. Since God is the Creator of all, He loves all, and we are called to love accordingly.

## Ponder: Becoming Self‑less

Ponder this question: How can I become self‑less enough to call everyone I meet a brother or sister? This challenge asks us to extend the love we receive from God to every person, especially those we find difficult.

## Prayer

Lord God of creation, it is not always easy to see You in others, especially when people are angry or hard to help. Grant me a heart that looks beyond fear and resentment, that can recognize Your image in every person, and that works for the good of all Your children.

*Our care for the earth grows out of love for God and for each person we encounter.*