Finding Hope, Ending Hunger on Both Sides of the Border: A Bilingual Latino Devotional - Flipbook - Page 19
CLIMATE CHANGE
Biblical Reflection
rom the early scripture passages (Genesis 2:15) to the last (Revelation 11:18), we hear a call and
warning to care for God’s creation (Psalm 24:1). When we disrespect this call, the harmonious
order under which God created life is threatened, and all creatures suffer the consequences
(Jeremiah 14:2-7).
F
Although the story of Joseph (Genesis 37, 40-41), and the dreams of the Pharaoh of Egypt does not
speak of a climate crisis like the one we are facing today, it certainly describes the reality of a region that
will face major climate shifts. After seven years of hospitable climate that generates an abundance of food,
there will be seven years of climate conditions that will create famine—unless people organize to mitigate
its impact.
Like Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, climate scientists today have interpreted climate data and
warn us about coming fluctuations in temperatures, stronger storms, longer droughts, and floods.
These are already affecting the planet’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of the most vulnerable human
communities.
In Joseph’s story, people are receptive to the unprecedented revelation, and they organize themselves
without delay to lessen the impact on everyone—not just the rulers. The passage does not explain to us
why these changes in the environment will occur. Facing a situation that the God of the Hebrews cannot
avoid, Joseph inspires his people to prepare the way so they—collectively—do not suffer unnecessarily.
The time of famine arrives as announced, but the well-being of all is preserved, thanks to a faithful God,
and to the community effort of rulers, workers, religious leaders, peasants, and grain storekeepers. Each one
of them, inspired by a common good that includes other people, does their part to avoid a major crisis.
When justice reigns on earth, God’s kindness is latent, even in the midst of crisis.
Reflection Questions
1. What steps can you take to prepare and organize to change federal policy to better care for God’s
creation?
2. What sectors of society could we work with to reduce the impact of climate change in our community?
3. What other actions can we take as a church to make God’s kindness manifest, even in the midst of
the climate crisis?
Prayer
God of creation, just as you equipped Joseph with the spiritual gifts necessary to protect the lives of
thousands, equip us so that through our actions to protect the lives of the most vulnerable communities
against climate change, the world gets to know your kindness and your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ,
we pray. Amen.
Call to Action
We commit ourselves to be a blessing to the earth; contributing to its care, organizing an ecological group
in our church, and advocating for a social system that allows us to live in solidarity with those most
affected by the climate crisis in our world.
Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo is the Latin America director and Florida organizer at GreenFaith in Tampa, Florida.
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