September 9.  The family’s next stop on their eco-safari was a game reserve.   They all enjoyed the talk about wildlife and were shocked to hear that rhino poaching happens everywhere, even in parks where there is security.  Each year hundreds of rhinos are killed for their horns and elephants for their tusks , while small animals like pangolins are trafficked too for their scales and for meat.  Afterwards they debated, “Some of us want to get involved in combating rhino poaching or other conservation projects.  Some think we, people, are more important than animals. Others not.  In some cases people will spend a lot of money on saving rhinos while they are OK about killing unborn babies. It’s about money, but what about the greater value of human life?” 

Scripture. Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself in which she sets her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts. Ps 84.  Pope Francis:  At times we see an obsession with denying any pre-eminence to the human person; more zeal is shown in protecting other species than in defending the dignity which all human beings share in equal measure. Certainly, we should be concerned lest other living beings be treated irresponsibly.  LS90.

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:  Find out about a “good citizen” ecological programme you would like to join.  Pray for greater respect for and commitment to the laws of the country and of God.  Pray the Glory be to the Father.