Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
[Excerpted from Heal the Earth: A Restoration Imperative, Herald House, 2024, pp. 45–46]
World Orca Day (July 14)
Earth represents a collective heritage, and its resources are meant to be a shared benefit for all
(Pope Francis, “Encyclical on Climate Change and Inequality,” p. 25). This includes the abundance derived from Earth’s oceans. It’s a crucial source of sustenance for more than 3.5 billion people who rely on it as their primary protein source.
In tropical and subtropical seas, coral reefs provide a haven for an extensive array of life, encompassing fish, crabs, mollusks, shrimp, squid, and more. According to estimates from SaveTheSea.org, over ninety percent of marine species are directly or indirectly reliant on these reefs. Notably, tropical reefs are found along the coastlines of more than 100 countries, a significant portion of which grapple with economic challenges.
Reef degradation has reached a critical point in 93 countries, with an alarming risk to over half of the remaining reefs. This decline threatens sea life, which is a vital food source for many. Human activities are the primary drivers of reef degradation, including coastal development, sedimentation, destructive practices like over-fishing and careless net use, pollution, tourism, global warming, chemicals, plastics, and acidification.
Even a slight increase in water temperature or acidity can be fatal or hinder reproduction for many ocean creatures, with potentially disastrous consequences for vital food species like cod, salmon, herring, shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. A recent example of this impact was the necessity to suspend Alaska king crab harvesting in 2022. Shifts in ocean conditions also can influence the availability of organisms that serve as food for fish, such as zooplankton and krill, particularly putting fry and fingerlings at risk.
The proliferation of plastics in the water is a mounting issue. Instead of disappearing, plastic breaks down into smaller particles that sea life often mistakenly consume as food, leading to fatal consequences. It’s crucial to understand that dilution is not a solution to pollution, and once extinctions occur, they are irreversible.
What changes can we make to help ocean health? What is the responsibility of disciples to promote practices that safeguard marine ecosystems?
Prayer Phrase
“For by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:8).
Spiritual Practice
The Jesus Prayer of Mercy
The Jesus Prayer is an ancient spiritual practice from Orthodox Christianity. It is a way of connecting with the gracious Spirit of Christ as we ask to receive his mercy. The prayer comes from the scripture of the blind man calling Jesus to heal him. Silently enter prayer and let your breath become slow and even. Greet God and then take up the prayer phrase: Lord, Jesus Christ (as you breathe in) … have mercy on me (as you breathe out). Prayerfully repeat these words for several minutes (or forty times). Breathe the presence of Christ into your mind, heart, and body. Be transformed as you receive the compassionate, peaceful heart of Jesus.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.