Reflection: Don’t be afraid
Many young people today feel sad, afraid, anxious, angry, and powerless.
In a landmark survey conducted with 10,000 young people across 10 countries, researchers explored attitudes toward climate change and government responses. The study found that nearly 60% of respondents felt ‘very worried’ or ‘extremely worried’ about climate change. Eco-anxiety impacted 45% of participants’ daily lives, highlighting the psychological burden caused by climate concerns. The countries with the highest climate anxiety were the Philippines, India, and Brazil. Portugal, where wildfires are severe, also had high levels of worried respondents. Young people’s voices on this issue are crucial, yet many feel ignored or dismissed when discussing climate change.
St. Augustine wrote about the role of hope in prompting individuals to confront injustice and strive for change. In his writings, hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are anger and courage. Anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain as they are.
What I take from this is that hope does not mysteriously fall from the sky and land on the shoulders of a favoured few. No. You make hope happen by your actions. And, we have a God who goes with us and helps us when we call on him.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to not only be angry at the things that are wrong, but give us the courage to change those wrong things.