# Day Four – Walking in Praise with Pope Francis: “We Are Not God”
*2022-09-28*

> Bill reflects on Pope Francis’ recent U.S. visit, introduces the fourth day of the “Care for Our Common Home” prayer series, and offers prayers for the environment and families.

## A Brief Reflection on Pope Francis’ Visit

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Pope Francis just returned to Rome after his trip to the United States, traveling from Philadelphia back home. We are grateful for his pastoral presence in America and ask that God bless him. His visit left many of us feeling uplifted, as if after a retreat, and I’m still riding that wave of hope.

## Day Four of the “Care for Our Common Home” Series

We continue with Day 4 of the 30‑day “Care for Our Common Home” devotion. The theme is “We Are Not God.” The earth was given to us to tend, not to own and plunder. Pope Francis reminds us that our “blind sense of entitlement” harms the planet. We have dominion, not domination. By exploiting creation we have left it “breathless and in pain.” Like the rich man who ignored the beggar Lazarus, we now have a chance to redeem ourselves and repair the damage we have done.

## A Prayer of Simplicity and Contemplation

Lord God of creation, help me see the difference between my wants and my needs. Grant me the grace to live more simply, so that the conveniences around me become tools for contemplation rather than sources of distraction.

## Prayer for Families from the World Meeting in Philadelphia (2015)

Father, in Jesus, your Son and our Savior, you have made us members of your holy family. May your grace unite families everywhere to fidelity to the Gospel. May the example of the Holy Family, guided by the Holy Spirit, inspire all families—especially those most in need—to become homes of communion and prayer, always seeking your truth and living in your love. Through Christ our Lord, amen.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us.

## Prayer for the Love of Family

Heavenly Father, you give us the love and strength of families so that we may reflect your love for the whole human family. We pray that every family be moved to renew its bonds, to fellowship, and to love all whom they meet. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son, our Brother and Savior. Amen.

*Our responsibility is to steward creation with humility, recognizing that we are caretakers, not owners.*