‘Listen to the cry of the earth and of the poor’
To care for the creation and for all human beings is Holiness.
This was the message of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle in his homily at the celebration of the Walk for Creation last Sept. 1 at Burnham Green, Manila.
Tagle said people, especially Catholics, must listen to the cry of the earth and to the cry of the poor.
“To care is to be concerned for someone or for something na ‘yun bang meron akong pananaw na kailangan ko, o kahit parang natural na aking iniisip ang kapakanan ng iba,” Tagle said.
Tagle explained that participating in all holy events is not enough to show holiness and care for the creation.
“Minsan sisimba, kakain ng candy habang nagsisimba, tapos ‘yung balat ng candy itatapon sa baba.” he said. "Para bagang ‘yung caring for creation, isang extra-curricular activity.”
Tagle emphasized that concern requires discipline.
“Ibalik ang concern, pagmamalasakit. Tumingin-tingin [at] baka may nangangailangan,” he said.
Tagle reminded everyone that the art of caring is to assume the responsibility for the others.
“A steward knows that he or she will be answerable. A steward knows that he or she is not the creator, not the source, [and] not the owner,” he said.
“We want the culture of true caring, of true responsibility or the creation of the true god, and not the false worlds created by false gods,” he added.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle opened the Eucharistic celebration in the Walk for Creation. Photo by Christine C. Fabro
The Walk for Creation was the gathering of Catholics from different Philippine parishes to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care for Creation.