Preserving a Temporary Heaven

What kind of television channel or YouTube do you like the most? Many people enjoy watching the National Geographic Television Channel, captivated by its revealing documentaries on the natural world and the richness it contains. These shows open our eyes to the magnificence of the Creator in His works.

Although I rarely watch television, I enjoy YouTube videos about animal and plant enthusiasts. Some people keep various types of birds. They take them out of the house and release them, only to have them return to the owner. Others have formed close bonds with tigers or lions they've raised since they were young, interacting and playing with them as if they were old friends.

Saint Francis of Assisi, a revered saint in the Catholic Church, was known for his deep connection with nature and animals. He affectionately referred to the sun as "Brother Sun" and the moon as "Sister Moon." According to legend, he even preached to birds, cared for animals, and saw them as reflections of the Creator. These examples illustrate that humans were created to live in harmony with all creatures.

The Book of Genesis describes how God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, where they lived in blissful harmony with each other, animals, plants, and their surroundings. This is a picture of heaven. However, after humanity's fall into sin, everything changed dramatically. The natural world and creatures were no longer at peace, and humans began to exploit the environment for their pleasure.

Our Role as Stewards of Creation

Today's readings remind us of our role and responsibility as stewards of the environment and all creation. We are called to care for and protect the world God has entrusted to us. However, we have not responsibly taken care of the environment. It is obvious from the destruction of our flora and fauna for the sake of economic purpose and profit.

We have been very worried about our material well-being. The Book of Wisdom reassures us that God keeps His promises, and the Gospel of Luke encourages us to trust in God's providence and store up heavenly treasures in our hearts.

It means that we are to focus on eternal values. Instead of accumulating earthly wealth, we focus on cultivating virtues, kindness, compassion, and a deep relationship with God. We also invest time and effort in prayer, reflection, and service to others, nurturing our spiritual lives and growing closer to God. Finally, we recognize that earthly possessions are temporary and fleeting, and instead, we prioritize what truly lasts: our relationship with God and our spiritual well-being.

As servants of the Lord, our task is to preserve and care for all creation, which God has entrusted to us. By fulfilling this responsibility, we can create a temporary heaven on earth, a place worthy of habitation and filled with joy and happiness. It prepares us to enter into eternal heaven. Are we willing to take this challenge and preserve the temporary heaven entrusted to us by God? (*)