"The earth is ultimately a common heritage, the fruits of which are for the benefit of all. Today, the dramatic threat of ecological breakdown is teaching us the extent to which greed and selfishness-both individual and collective-are contrary to the order of creation, an order which is characterized by mutual interdependence."
Pope John Paul II, The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility, January 1, 1990

To what extent is my identity defined by consumption - by the car I drive, the home I live in, the clothes I wear, the vacations I take?

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As the years go by, I feel the need to purge my life of the clutter. So many things in life tempt us and give us false hope - All these material distractions prevent us from finding true peace - peace in Jesus Christ.

February 22, 2008, Ruth Flynn Donahue

The older I get, the more I feel burdened by possessions and long for the simple life.

February 22, 2008, Lana Kelly

I realize how much I consume when I'm constantly taking the garbage out. Sin always has its effect on others, it is never a solitary act. PJPII shows how greed not only effects the community of mankind but the earth itself. Love would also have a positive effect on man and the earth.

February 18, 2008, Tim Cronin

Thank you for this e-mail and for making us aware of what we can do to make the world better for the next generation. these questions are thought provoking and can change us for the better.

February 18, 2008, Sister florence Vales OSC