V. A UNIVERSAL COMMUNION
89. The created things of this world are not free of ownership: “For they are yours, O Lord, who love the living” (Wis 11:26). This is the basis of our conviction that, as part of the universe, called into being by one Father, all of us are linked by unseen bonds and together form a kind of universal family, a sublime communion which fills us with a sacred, affectionate and humble respect. Here I would reiterate that “God has joined us so closely to the world around us that we can feel the desertification of the soil almost as a physical ailment, and the extinction of a species as a painful disfigurement”.[67]
90. This is not to put all living beings on the same level nor to deprive human beings of their unique worth and the tremendous responsibility it entails. Nor does it imply a divinization of the earth which would prevent us from working on it and protecting it in its fragility. Such notions would end up creating new imbalances which would deflect us from the reality which challenges us.[68] At times we see an obsession with denying any pre-eminence to the human person; more zeal is shown in protecting other species than in defending the dignity which all human beings share in equal measure. Certainly, we should be concerned lest other living beings be treated irresponsibly. But we should be particularly indignant at the enormous inequalities in our midst, whereby we continue to tolerate some considering themselves more worthy than others. We fail to see that some are mired in desperate and degrading poverty, with no way out, while others have not the faintest idea of what to do with their possessions, vainly showing off their supposed superiority and leaving behind them so much waste which, if it were the case everywhere, would destroy the planet. In practice, we continue to tolerate that some consider themselves more human than others, as if they had been born with greater rights.
That is fascinating. Pope Francis sees the continued idea of one human being superior to another. I thought that was buried with WWII. But, he is correct. We live in an international society where designations are First World, Third World and Emerging Economies. There is the idea some folks have got it right while others just don't 'get it' at all. It is mostly defined in economic terms. That is a very scary reality. Have we placed a price tag on the national identity of countries? That is dehumanizing. "What are you worth?"
These economic divisions are suppose to be an identifier of how improvements need to occur in order to bring all countries to the same prosperous platform with quality of life for it's people. My definition of those words is different than Wall Street's definition of those words, but, Pope Francis's definition removes labels and sees people while he measures hardship. That is important. If we assume the First World has it's act together, which in real terms of a hot planet is questionable, Pope Francis removes some of those identities. He applies responsibility differently. He finds the First World as limited in it's understanding and scope.
"Are we our brother's keeper?"
If Pope Francis is dismissed as a global leader of 20 percent of the Earth's population, then diplomats are missing the mark and global policy has undefined hurdles of failure.
91. A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings. It is clearly inconsistent to combat trafficking in endangered species while remaining completely indifferent to human trafficking, unconcerned about the poor, or undertaking to destroy another human being deemed unwanted. This compromises the very meaning of our struggle for the sake of the environment. It is no coincidence that, in the canticle in which Saint Francis praises God for his creatures, he goes on to say: “Praised be you my Lord, through those who give pardon for your love”. Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.
92. Moreover, when our hearts are authentically open to universal communion, this sense of fraternity excludes nothing and no one. It follows that our indifference or cruelty towards fellow creatures of this world sooner or later affects the treatment we mete (dole; ie: dole out) out to other human beings. We have only one heart, and the same wretchedness which leads us to mistreat an animal will not be long in showing itself in our relationships with other people. Every act of cruelty towards any creature is “contrary to human dignity”.[69] We can hardly consider ourselves to be fully loving if we disregard any aspect of reality: “Peace, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected themes, which cannot be separated and treated individually without once again falling into reductionism”.[70] Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures and which also unites us in fond affection with brother sun, sister moon, brother river and mother earth.
Does the USA dole out treatment of others in a way that is equitable to our morality? Some of that is the basis of the extremists in the Middle East. Then there are other countries, such as Jordan and Turkey that find alliance as a 'grace' between the two countries. The difference between the two is the impoverishment of the people or lack of it.
I think we are on solid ground when the USA can point to it's generosity and how it has brought about quality of life for the people when it's policies fall short in other countries. I can only guess, but, Pope Francis might say that if our policies are not pointing to benevolence in all counties, why accept the USA's mission is complete?
89. The created things of this world are not free of ownership: “For they are yours, O Lord, who love the living” (Wis 11:26). This is the basis of our conviction that, as part of the universe, called into being by one Father, all of us are linked by unseen bonds and together form a kind of universal family, a sublime communion which fills us with a sacred, affectionate and humble respect. Here I would reiterate that “God has joined us so closely to the world around us that we can feel the desertification of the soil almost as a physical ailment, and the extinction of a species as a painful disfigurement”.[67]
90. This is not to put all living beings on the same level nor to deprive human beings of their unique worth and the tremendous responsibility it entails. Nor does it imply a divinization of the earth which would prevent us from working on it and protecting it in its fragility. Such notions would end up creating new imbalances which would deflect us from the reality which challenges us.[68] At times we see an obsession with denying any pre-eminence to the human person; more zeal is shown in protecting other species than in defending the dignity which all human beings share in equal measure. Certainly, we should be concerned lest other living beings be treated irresponsibly. But we should be particularly indignant at the enormous inequalities in our midst, whereby we continue to tolerate some considering themselves more worthy than others. We fail to see that some are mired in desperate and degrading poverty, with no way out, while others have not the faintest idea of what to do with their possessions, vainly showing off their supposed superiority and leaving behind them so much waste which, if it were the case everywhere, would destroy the planet. In practice, we continue to tolerate that some consider themselves more human than others, as if they had been born with greater rights.
That is fascinating. Pope Francis sees the continued idea of one human being superior to another. I thought that was buried with WWII. But, he is correct. We live in an international society where designations are First World, Third World and Emerging Economies. There is the idea some folks have got it right while others just don't 'get it' at all. It is mostly defined in economic terms. That is a very scary reality. Have we placed a price tag on the national identity of countries? That is dehumanizing. "What are you worth?"
These economic divisions are suppose to be an identifier of how improvements need to occur in order to bring all countries to the same prosperous platform with quality of life for it's people. My definition of those words is different than Wall Street's definition of those words, but, Pope Francis's definition removes labels and sees people while he measures hardship. That is important. If we assume the First World has it's act together, which in real terms of a hot planet is questionable, Pope Francis removes some of those identities. He applies responsibility differently. He finds the First World as limited in it's understanding and scope.
"Are we our brother's keeper?"
If Pope Francis is dismissed as a global leader of 20 percent of the Earth's population, then diplomats are missing the mark and global policy has undefined hurdles of failure.
91. A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings. It is clearly inconsistent to combat trafficking in endangered species while remaining completely indifferent to human trafficking, unconcerned about the poor, or undertaking to destroy another human being deemed unwanted. This compromises the very meaning of our struggle for the sake of the environment. It is no coincidence that, in the canticle in which Saint Francis praises God for his creatures, he goes on to say: “Praised be you my Lord, through those who give pardon for your love”. Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.
92. Moreover, when our hearts are authentically open to universal communion, this sense of fraternity excludes nothing and no one. It follows that our indifference or cruelty towards fellow creatures of this world sooner or later affects the treatment we mete (dole; ie: dole out) out to other human beings. We have only one heart, and the same wretchedness which leads us to mistreat an animal will not be long in showing itself in our relationships with other people. Every act of cruelty towards any creature is “contrary to human dignity”.[69] We can hardly consider ourselves to be fully loving if we disregard any aspect of reality: “Peace, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected themes, which cannot be separated and treated individually without once again falling into reductionism”.[70] Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures and which also unites us in fond affection with brother sun, sister moon, brother river and mother earth.
Does the USA dole out treatment of others in a way that is equitable to our morality? Some of that is the basis of the extremists in the Middle East. Then there are other countries, such as Jordan and Turkey that find alliance as a 'grace' between the two countries. The difference between the two is the impoverishment of the people or lack of it.
I think we are on solid ground when the USA can point to it's generosity and how it has brought about quality of life for the people when it's policies fall short in other countries. I can only guess, but, Pope Francis might say that if our policies are not pointing to benevolence in all counties, why accept the USA's mission is complete?
