Honoring God at Table: Laudato Si and Menu Planning

Last year, Pope Francis released his encyclical Laudato Si calling us to be stewards - rather than consumers - of creation. Environmentalism cannot be brushed aside with a label of liberal politics, but must be a core value of Christians around the world. We are called to live responsibly and consider the ecological impact of our choices, "to replace consumption with sacrifice, greed with generosity, wastefulness with a spirit of sharing" (Laudato Si, 9). Pope Francis praised efforts toward reducing consumption, reusing products, and recycling what has outlived its usefulness, but urged us to go beyond that. He called attention to the many ways in which our planet is threatened, including climate change influenced in part by greenhouse gases (ibid, 22-25). As Americans, we are particularly responsible for changing our lifestyles. "Reducing greenhouse gases requires honesty, courage and responsibility, above all on the part of those countries which are more powerful and pollute the most" (ibid, 169).

Animal Agriculture
One major contributor to environmental damage is livestock, particularly beef. This sector may often be overlooked because so many Americans enjoy meat as a significant part of their diet. However, available information clearly shows a serious impact from raising livestock. The EPA reports that animal farms pollute our waterways more than all other industrial sources combined. A 2006 report published by the United Nations reveals that animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of the total release of greenhouse gases world-wide. A report from the Pew Commission concluded that the current model of industrial farm animal production is unsustainable, due to its impact on water, air, and soil quality along with its adverse effect on biodiversity. We cannot afford to ignore such a significant threat to our planet.

Avoiding Heresy

Eating meat is not evil. Scripture tells us of the father celebrating the return of his prodigal son with a feast, commanding his servants to kill the fatted calf (cf Luke 15:23). Faithful Catholics reject the heresies of the Manicheans and others who hold flesh meat to be intrinsically evil, affirming instead that all God has made is good (cf Genesis 1:31). Indeed, we enjoy the "foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving" (1 Timothy 4:3). In this place and time, we must proceed with wisdom and prudence, seriously assessing our dietary habits in light of our obligation to our planet and humanity.

What Can We Do?

First, address the issue through prayer and dialogue with your family. Be aware of your own values and tendencies, that you may not fall into the trap of attitudes that "range from denial of the problem to indifference, nonchalant resignation or blind confidence in technical solutions" (Laudato Si, 14). Second, create a plan of action. Pope Francis warns that an ecological awareness is insufficient if it is not coupled with a change in behavior (cf ibid, 55).

The 1962 rules of abstinence took effect at age seven and required abstinence on all Fridays, Saturdays during Lent, and roughly 15 other days throughout the year. While we are in no way bound to these rules, they may be a beginning point of conversation within our families. Alternately, If a family of four gives up steak one day a week for a year, it is equivalent to taking your car off the road for three months (http://www.ewg.org/). Maybe that is where you want to start.

Why Bother?

It can be disheartening to consider the minor impact of your family's eating habits compared the scope of current ecological problems. Do not be discouraged! Remember that changing your "lifestyle could bring healthy pressure to bear on those who wield political, economic and social power" (Laudato Si, 206). You may also impact others whom you know, starting a positive chain reaction.

From the earliest days of the Church, we have gathered around the table in thanksgiving, to glorify God and be united in Christ. Honoring God through the bread we break in our domestic church does not have to be limited to prayers before and after meals. Intentionally offering our families that which is healthy and environmentally sound glorifies Him and reminds us that we are indeed united with our brothers and sisters around the world.

Finally, remember that we are Catholics above all else. Many of us pray a Daily Offering, giving all our daily activities to God. Seeking His will and following with loving obedience is never ineffective.

"There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through little daily actions, and it is wonderful how education can bring about real changes in lifestyle. ... [These changes], when done for the right reasons, can be an act of love which expresses our own dignity" (Laudato Si, 211).