Pope Benedict and our U.S. Bishops call us to take action on Global Climate Change. Our Bishops' teach that the virtue of prudence is required in our response to the dangers posed by global climate change: "Prudence is a thoughtful, deliberate, and reasoned basis for taking or avoiding action to achieve a moral good." In the case of global climate change, our Diocesan Public Policy Committee believes it is prudent, not only to continue to research and monitor these changes caused by human activity, but to take steps now to mitigate possible negative effects in the future--when it may be too late or much more costly to do so.

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus turns away from the temptations of satisfaction, well being, and power. He shows us true poverty of spirit, choosing to rely completely on God. Francis of Assisi followed this example, rejecting the Crusades of his day and adopting a poverty that Brazilian theologian Leonardo Boff describes as "a way of being by which the individual lets things be what they are; on refuses to dominate them, subjugate them, and make them objects of the will to power." In doing so he became open to God's plan for his life.
Reflection: Are we willing to look closely at our desire for power in our families, communities and world? Might we become closer to God if we choose service and sacrifice instead of control?