Pope Francis "The rain, the harvest, the food. Biblical wisdom saw a close link between these elements...." FULL TEXT

MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE DAY
«WATER, AGRICULTURE AND FOOD: WE BUILD THE MORNING»

[Polytechnic University of Madrid, December 13, 2018]



I am grateful that you have invited me to address you at the beginning of the Conference "Water, agriculture and food. Let's build tomorrow ", organized by various academic, social and ecclesial institutions, with the participation of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organizations based in Rome.

The theme that has brought them together has reminded me of the psalmist, who acknowledges, gratefully, that "the Lord will give us the rain and our land will give its harvest" (Ps 85,13). In another moment, the prophet Isaiah compares the word of God with the rainwater that soaks the earth, making it germinate "to give seed to the sower and bread to the one who eats" (55,10). The rain, the harvest, the food. Biblical wisdom saw a close link between these elements and interpreted them from the perspective of gratitude, never from voracity or exploitation. The faith and experience of believers leads to this recognition, which transforms for us into a pressing call to responsibility, not to be caught in petty calculations that prevent helping the less favored, who are deprived of what more basic In this regard, the subtitle that they wanted to give their thoughts is inspiring, because in the word "build" is enclosed a sense of positivity, the contribution of a benefit, openness to the other, reciprocity and collaboration. These keys must not be forgotten, because the tomorrow we all want can only be the result of loyal, supportive and generous cooperation.

Indeed, the challenges of humanity in the present time are so complex that they require the sum of ideas, the unity of efforts, the complementarity of perspectives, while renouncing exclusionary selfishness and pernicious protagonism. In this way, sound decisions will be taken and solid foundations will be laid to build a fair and inclusive society, where no one is left behind. A society that puts the human person and their fundamental rights at the center, without being drawn by questionable interests that only enrich a few, unfortunately always the same. This will also be the way to ensure that future generations find a harmonious world without quarrels, with the necessary resources to enjoy a dignified and full life.

Although the land has resources for everyone, both in quantity and quality, a huge crowd of people suffer from hunger and is cruelly beaten by poverty. To eradicate these scourges, it would be enough to eliminate injustices and inequities and put in place far-sighted and far-reaching policies, effective and coordinated measures, so that no one lacks daily bread or lacks the means that are necessary to exist. Among them, water is essential and yet, unfortunately, not everyone has access to it, so it is essential that it be better distributed and managed in a sustainable and rational manner. As is also unavoidable the care and protection of the environment, guarding its beauty, preserving the copious variety of ecosystems, cultivating the fields with care, without avidity, without causing irreversible damage.

The earth must be treated with tenderness, so as not to cause it wounds, so as not to ruin the work that came out of the hands of the Creator. When this is not done, the earth ceases to be a source of life for the human family. And this is what happens in many regions of our planet, where water is contaminated, garbage accumulates, deforestation advances, air is stale and soil acidified. All this generates a harmful accumulation of ills and miseries, which we also find when food is wasted and not shared; that is why it is essential to educate children and young people to nourish themselves healthily, not simply to eat. The proper nourishment involves knowing the value of food, disengagement from the frenzied and compulsive consumerism and make the table a meeting place and fraternity, and not just the space for ostentation, waste or whims.

I ask God the Father that all those who participate in this important Day leave it with a renewed desire to make the earth the common home that welcomes us all, a home of open doors, a place of communion and beneficial coexistence. In this way, the future will be full of light and can be faced by all with confidence and hope, as the fruit of a serene present rich in seeds of virtue and hope.

I wish you all the best for your work, I am pleased to impart to you the Apostolic Blessing and I ask you, please, to pray for me.

Vatican, December 13, 2018.

Francisco