I have watched the unfolding of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill with great sadness. The oil rig explosion that took place has been gushing 220,000 gallons of oil a day since April 20^th and the future isn’t looking good at all!

As a Floridian, I am very concerned for our coastline and like so many others in Florida I feel that it is now just a matter of time before the oil starts washing up on our shores. My heart aches for those in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi who are losing their natural resources, wildlife and livelihoods.

So what to do, what to believe?

What to do:

Pray:

Each of us can take a moment in the day to thank God for the gift of creation and to ask for divine assistance in protecting it. Pray for a miracle. Pray for the right inspiration that leads to a quick resolution. Pray for the decision makers, the workers and the volunteers. Pray before the Blessed Sacrament…stop by your local parish church tonight and appeal to the Creator for His assistance. God hears each and every prayer. Immense is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power, and all-seeing. The eyes of God see all he has made; he understands man’s every deed. Sirach 15: 18-19

Help:

Oil Spill Volunteers are doing a great job in linking volunteers with the various clean up organizations, they are not directing volunteer efforts but, are collecting contact information and helping regular folks who want to help get connected to do so.

The National Wildlife Federation is in the area and could use volunteers to lend a hand to help affected wildlife.

The International Bird Rescue and Research Center could use volunteers to help clean oiled birds.

The National Audubon Society is recruiting volunteers NOW to be trained to respond to the oil spill.

The Mobile Bay Estuary Program needs volunteers

Save Our Seabirds is a Florida based organization that needs volunteers and donations as it prepares to help wildlife.

The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is the largest wild bird hospital in the country and is looking for volunteers and supply donations.

Tri State Bird Rescue and Research is overseeing the wildlife rehabilitation on the coast and is asking for donations.

To report oiled wildlife call 866-557-1401

To report oiled shoreline call 866-448-5816

What to believe:

As Catholics we believe in the promises of the One Triune God!

• No matter how horrendous or afflicted this world may become by man’s work we know that God the Son redeems all creation. Behold I make all things new! Rev. 21:5
• We know too, that nothing, not even the creation being affected by the oil spill escapes the providential eye of God the Father and in the end it will be God’s hand that allows good to occur. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the decision of the Lord that endures. Prov. 19:21
• As it has been from the beginning and will be forever, the Holy Spirit, who is the Sustainer of all Life, comprehends the thoughts of God and will move upon creation as God intends. Even so, the things of God no one knows but the Spirit of God. 1 Cor. 2:11

We stand in humility and awe as we pray and believe what we pray, that in our prayers we can call Gods hand down to aid us in our desolation.

However you choose to help, you are acting as a good steward of the Creator, responding to the very roots of your “vocation”, the concern and care of what God has placed in your stead.

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