THE EARTH---
THE ONE AND ONLY HOME WE HAVE
TODAY.
(Homily of His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales at Earth Day Mass on April 22)

When God was said to plan the creations of humans He said “let us make humans in our image, after our likeness, to have dominion over the fish in the sea, the birds of the air, the animals on land and everything on earth.” (Genesis 1:26). The meaning of lordship is not absolute ownership of earth, for man does not own the earth; he belongs to the earth; he was made of the earth, “and unto dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19).

Unfortunately humans were the only creatures, who when using the fruits or resources if the earth leave a track of destruction and waste following their path. When animals die they even enrich the soil when humans pass they dump poisonous plastics in their tracks and they poison the air with carbon monoxide and other life killing gases. Shall we call this progress, when in the end life is threatened instead of protected in the only home he has, and where the Creator placed humans as the master-stewards.

The earth does not belong to humans; humans belong to the earth. And if they need to protect and prolong their lives, they must, of necessity, protect and prolong the life of their home, the planet, the Earth.

The resources of nature in this planet can provide for every material need of all human beings on earth. But it cannot provide for any requirement of human greed. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The earth can provide for all human needs but not for one man’s greed.” Our Lord Jesus Christ once reminded all, “Be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for life does not consist in possessions, even when someone has more than he needs. (Luke 12:15)

It is human greed that destroys the balance in the distribution, sharing and the use of the earth’s resources. It is human acquisitiveness and avarice that threaten the supply and availability of resources destined also for the future generations. To destroy and overuse the earth’s supply today is like stealing from the mouths of your grand and great grandchildren. They and their needs were also in the mind and plan of God when He created this earth.

In the end, if we want to save our present generation and the next generation from the acute need to balance hunger with nature’s resources, or face the grim possibility of having none in the future, let us protect our only home --- the planet Earth, now.

Let all people --- irrespective of culture, cult or belief --- take care of the Earth, by taming their greed. Let discipline take over the careless disposal of waste and garbage. Let humans provide the earth again with stronger lungs, allowing it to breathe healthier by replanting trees. Allow the brooks and the rivers to live again by reviving the watersheds and replenishing the aquifers with replanted trees around. Give the earth its primal strength by respecting the laws of the Nature instead of abusing its bounty for greed and profit. God has shown humans through tragic experience that Nature has its way of fighting back, if only to protect then and their future.

In living on earth as God’s guests humans learn that it is Nature that knows best. In humility let us respect and protect Nature, it was created by God to protect us. Care for the Earth is care for ourselves. This is good ecology. God bless!

+Gaudencio B. Rosales
EARTH DAY
RESURRECTION PARISH
SMOKEY MOUNTAIN
April 22, 2006