Last week, we began reflecting on Pope Francis’ encyclical letter “Laudato

 sì.” That document contains teaching by the Holy Father on what he called “integral ecology.” By that he meant, a Catholic understanding of the whole of creation coming from the hand of our loving God.

That adjective “integral” is central to the teaching of Pope Francis. He has expressed on numerous occasions his concern for the signs of abuse of the natural environment of the earth. His letter, however, makes clear that concern for our climate or other elements of the natural world can never be separated from our concern for the human person.

In “Laudato sì” he wrote, “Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it.” (LS, 139). And the Holy Father continues, “The Bible teaches that every man and woman is created out of love and made in God’s image and likeness (see Gen 1:26). This shows us the immense dignity of each person …” (LS, 65).

The teaching of Pope Francis is therefore a reminder to us that the human person is the highest element of creation. Every one of us, rich or poor, young or old, bears the image of God in a unique way. That is what makes human life sacred and special.

But we cannot separate our human dignity from the rest of creation. The natural world also bears in its own very real way, the mark and image of God and His love. In this way we are indeed integral.

This integral vision acknowledges a fundamental unity of reality that is not just one of sentiment or appreciation for the pristine beauty of nature. To be integral means to grasp, respect and live the unity between God, the human race called to be with Him for eternal life, and His gift of creation.

Pope Francis highlights several implications from this view of creation that is consistent with both reason and faith.

First, we must truly see God in all of the created world. Pope Francis writes, “the world came about as the result of a decision, not from chaos or chance … God’s love is the fundamental moving force in all created things: ‘For you love all things that exist, and detest none of the things that you have made; for you would not have made anything if you had hated it’ (Wis 11:24). Every creature is thus the object of the Father’s tenderness, who gives it its place in the world.” (LS, 77).

Second, we must witness to the goodness and dignity of human life that is at times treated as an intruder on creation. Most especially, creation challenges us to respect more deeply the poor and defenseless. “A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings. It is clearly inconsistent to combat trafficking in endangered species while remaining completely indifferent to human trafficking, unconcerned about the poor, or undertaking to destroy another human being deemed unwanted.” (LS, 91).

Finally, Pope Francis highlights the respect due to the created world even as human ingenuity makes appropriate use of it. He captures that reality by distinguishing “creation” from “nature” stating, “… the word ‘creation’ has a broader meaning than ‘nature,’ for it has to do with God’s loving plan in which every creature has its own value and significance. Nature is usually seen as a system which can be studied, understood and controlled, whereas creation can only be understood as a gift from the outstretched hand of the Father of all, and as a reality illuminated by the love which calls us together into universal communion.” (LS, 76).

During this summer and vacation season, we gravitate to the outdoors. We often gather with family in places accessible to creation, even if it is only our yard. Let’s make sure that we continue our unity with God by our prayers and especially our attendance at Mass all summer long. And then, let’s respect and rejoice in each other and in God’s creation. Truly, laudato sì! Praised be God!