On the news yesterday, listeners heard about the Irish Seal Sanctuary\u2019s (ISS) investigation into the deaths of eight seals on beaches in Co Wexford. \u00a0Members of the ISS are not exactly sure what happened. It is likely that \u201charsh conditions or entanglement\u201d could have played a part in their deaths.\u00a0 Something in the environment might be responsible either. Investigation is essential because the ISS think what happened \u2018might affect us all.\u2019 Due to the ravages of pollution in the oceans and loss of biodiversity, changes are happening in our common home. Discarded plastic and other dumped materials, which Pope Francis says is the result of a \u2018throwaway culture\u2019 have devastating consequences for marine life and the ocean itself.<\/p>\n
The first reading proclaimed at Mass today from the Book of Genesis (Genesis 6) tells what happens God\u2019s people when they turn away from God. They get lost.\u00a0 In the reading it seems like God will punish them but that is not the case. When God\u2019s people sin they separate themselves from God\u2019s love. God saw that \u2018the wickedness of man was great on earth.\u2019\u00a0 God\u2019s heart grieved.\u00a0 God\u2019s heart still grieves today when God sees the mutilation of the planet, the destruction of the forests, the effects of climate change on people living in poverty, the loss of biodiversity, the lack of respect for the environment and the destruction of the web of life. When God created the earth God saw, all that he made was good. God created humankind and gifted them with life and love. God continues to do that.<\/p>\n
God also sent his Son Jesus to show God\u2019s love on earth. In the Gospel (Mark 8:14-21) proclaimed today, Jesus knows how difficult it is to teach the disciples because of their lack of understanding and insight. He asks them a myriad of questions, \u2018Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you not yet understand? Have you no perception? Are your minds closed? Have you eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear? Or do you not remember?\u2019 Then he reminds them of the miracle he worked with the loaves and fish. Finally, he says \u2018have you no perception?\u2019<\/p>\n
Today Jesus asks the faithful the same questions. It is time for us to open our eyes to see what is happening in the world and recognise the Creator, the source of all life. God loves us unconditionally and continually seeks those who stray from his love.\u00a0 This is a sign of hope.<\/p>\n
Pope Francis calls every person in the whole world to an eco-conversion.<\/p>\n
Tomorrow, the Church begins the season Lent, a particular time in the liturgical year to turn our hearts towards God. Today is Pancake Tuesday<\/p>\n
For families who accompany their children in faith,\u00a0 you may like to know that Pope Francis\u2019 teaching on care of our common home is a dominant theme in the Grow in Love\/I nGr\u00e1 D\u00e9<\/em> Religious Education programme.<\/p>\n