Society today is being fragmented by a way of thinking that is inherently short-sighted because it disregards the full horizon of truth - the truth about God and about us. By its nature, relativism fails to see the whole picture. It ignores the very principles that enable us to live and flourish in unity, order and harmony.
Pope Benedict XVIRespecting the environment does not mean considering material or animal nature more important than man. Rather, it means not selfishly considering nature to be at the complete disposal of our own interests, for future generations also have the right to reap its benefits and to exhibit towards nature the same responsible freedom that we claim for ourselves. Nor must we overlook the poor, who are excluded in many cases from the goods of creation destined for all.
Pope Benedict XVIWe can learn from him that suffering and the gift of himself is an essential gift we need in our time.
Pope Benedict XVIJesus Christ does not teach us a spirituality โof closed eyesโ, but one of โalertnessโ, one which entails an absolute duty to take notice of the needs of others and of situations involving those whom the Gospel tells us are our neighbours. The gaze of Jesus, what โhis eyesโ teach us, leads to human closeness, solidarity, giving time, sharing our gifts and even our material goods.
Pope Benedict XVI