Looking at the Sunday
Readings through Different Lenses
Climate & Environment
Opening Treasures to Honor Our Lord
In their life journeys, both Saint Paul and the Magi were challenged to stretch not only their beliefs but also how they lived their life. Paul was a devout Jew, a Pharisee, who came to a belief in Jesus. That turned his world upside down. In his letter to the Ephesians, he speaks of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to him. In light of his encounter with Christ, he came to understand stewardship in a new and deeper way.
Led by a star, the Magi made a pilgrimage that took them from their own lands to a distant place. There they discovered “the newborn king of the Jews.” Arriving at their destination, they did the child homage. The precious gifts that they offered were those in keeping with their status.
In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis speaks of a fidelity to our creator, the God who created the world for everyone. In this time of climate crisis, we are coming to understand in new ways the implications of this call to stewardship of our world. As God’s stewards, we are to “till” and to “keep” the world in which we live.
Like both Paul and the Magi, each of us are called to stewardship of our world to help care for our sisters and brothers, particularly those most vulnerable to problems like climate change. We are invited to share our particular gifts, those commensurate with our own status and abilities. In our desire to be faithful to God, our gifts can be used to help heal the earth and its climate. By doing so, we also help protect the fundamental rights of the poor and underprivileged. As we contemplate this responsibility, we do well to keep before us the challenging example of the Magi, who “opened their treasures” to honor our Lord.
SOURCE: Catholic Climate Covenant
Isaiah 60:1-6 presents a vision of the New Jerusalem radiating God’s glory, drawing people from all nations.
This passage emphasizes the significance of Earth as the stage upon which God’s redemption plays out.
In the context of climate and environmental protection, Isaiah’s vision reminds us that the Earth is not simply a resource to be exploited, but a sacred creation that reflects the glory of its Creator. Caring for the climate and environment becomes an essential part of stewardship, preserving the beauty and integrity of the Earth as a testament to God’s goodness and creativity.
Ephesians 3:2-6 explores the mystery of God’s plan to include the Gentiles in salvation.
The passage speaks to the reconciling power of the Gospel, breaking down divisions between peoples.
In relation to protecting the Earth’s climate and environment, Ephesians underscores the interconnectedness and interdependence of all creation. The ecological crisis affects people of all nations and backgrounds. It is a global issue that transcends borders and calls for a collective response. As stewards of creation, we are called to recognize our shared responsibility and work together to preserve the Earth for present and future generations.
The Gospel of Matthew, in chapter 2:1-12, recounts the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus.
This event is emblematic of the universal significance of Christ’s birth, symbolizing the epiphany, or manifestation, of God’s love to all people.
In the context of climate and environmental protection, the visit of the Magi reminds us of the importance of future generations. The decisions we make today in relation to the environment will impact the welfare and well-being of our children and grandchildren. Just as the Magi brought gifts to honor Jesus, taking care of the Earth is a way of showing gratitude for God’s gift of creation and preserving it for generations to come.
Commentary above was generated by artificial intelligence before being adapted, formatted, reviewed, and edited for accuracy. If you find any errors please use contact box below. Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission.