Fast from Silence

The Global Catholic Climate Movement (catholicclimatemovement.global) has released its Lenten Calendar 2021 that is focused on concrete actions we can take each week to improve the planet as well as ourselves. 

Lent is a time of preparation for Easter and the celebration of the Paschal Mystery. During this time of fasting and renewal, we will embark upon a journey of ecological conversion through reflection, repentance, and renewal. Together.

For Week 6 of Lent, we are asked to fast from silence. That’s right, from silence:

This week we are going to fast from silence. One of the most important things we can do about our ecological crisis is to talk about it.

Learn about the worlds’ water crisis at https://bit.ly/3kiTfrJ and start talking about it.

Talk to a friend or family member about your concern for the environment, and invite them to join Earth Hour on Saturday, March 27th at 8:30 PM when millions of people around the world will conserve energy together (earthhour.org).

Wow, that’s a tough one. Many of us try to fast from conversations on touchy subjects like the environment, global warming, and climate injustice. But is that really such a good idea? The key is to lead by example and to talk about difficult subjects gently, slowly, and respectfully. No hitting people over the head with a hammer! 

Here is an article by Daryl Chen who has culled together ideas from experts on how to talk to someone about climate change: https://bit.ly/3srCY6V. At that link, you will also find Stanford University sociology professor Rob Willer’s TED talk on the subject. 

And consider progressing from talking to friends and family to advocating for the environment and the poor to our elected leaders. To quote Pope Francis:

Our prayers and appeals are directed first at raising the awareness of political and civil leaders. 

You can download the Global Catholic Climate Movement’s Laudato Si Lent Calendar.

Palm Sunday is coming this weekend followed by Holy Week. As you celebrate the Passion of our Lord (and abstain from energy usage during Earth Hour on Palm Saturday), think about how you might continue your devotion to the planet well past Easter.

Working together, we can help take care of our common home. 

Paul Litwin