Pope John Paul II is embraced by Cambodian Buddhist monk Maha Ghosananda during an interreligious encounter in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 27, 1986. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano)
Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.
Our Planet Earth
Author’s note: This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice ecological principles in our journey “On Care for Our Common Home.”
Introduction
Do you know that joy and peace come from when we spiritually care for and love others besides ourselves? Our greatest joys are when we help people, and by doing so, we help ourselves. One definition of spirituality is: “a process of making the mind face our fears, worries, and non-stop thinking, and experiencing inner peace and bliss in one’s everyday life”. Spirituality is about making peace with the universe , and accepting facts as they are and trying to live in harmony. Great examples of spirituality are Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dalai Lama, and Nelson Mandela.
It does no good to isolate ourselves and treat others as outsiders. Being judgemental is simply wrong since we live in a world with so many exciting people. Two excellent examples of inclusivity are Martin Luther King, Jr. and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who spent their entire careers promoting justice and reconciliation for all. The world is global, and people are moving from one country to another creating more of a mixture of all different types of people. It is our hope that newcomers will be accepted for who they are because spiritually, it will make each and every one of us happier. Having family and friends does not mean you shouldn’t meet and make new friends. Loving others will expand our horizons in learning, caring, and loving all people, and by doing this, we will receive joy, peace, and love.
What Can You Do?
Be More Open-Minded - People throughout the world are different in many regards, but learning more about their language, culture, cuisine, and religion can be rewarding in so many ways. Our mindset needs to be welcoming, and not judgemental, and we cannot always think we’re right and everyone else is wrong.
Give Food, Clothing, Water, and Education - We can give these resources by funding charities so others can tend livestock, grow crops, and live sustainably. We can also help people who are hungry and helpless, regardless of their religion, race, or age, by helping at soup kitchens, food banks, or rescue missions.
Work for All to have a Home - Homelessness is a travesty of justice and commonly seen in many communities. Let’s work with city governments to help get people into homes that they can call their own. Everyone needs a safe, warm, and peaceful place to live.
Show Charity - To love others, we need to go out to them and show them we care and that we are willing to help them. This includes many things, but the most important is being there for them and having reasonable choices and expectations open for their needs. We need to reach out to people early in the process before desperation sets in for them, which can open them to even more vulnerability and abuse.
Quote:
“The present is that elusive moment between what no longer exists and what has not yet happened. Spirituality, however, corresponds to the development of human qualities such as love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, or a sense of responsibility.” - Dalai Lama.
Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon and ecologist in Evansville, Indiana. He graduated from St. Bonaventure, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan D.C. is a member of the “Care of Earth” Committee - St. Louise Province of the Daughters of Charity USA and member of Seton Harvest Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture Farm that grows all natural produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an English Language Learner teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family, and teaches at Joshua Academy Charter School. Michael Cervone, BS. is a web developer and designer who lives in Evansville, Indiana.