09/07/2026
“Air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death…[contributing to] conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.”* On International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, we are reminded that as the Body of Christ, we have the responsibility to build each other up and find ways for everyone to thrive together.
Prayer: What birds of Scripture do you know? Try finding various birds as you read the Bible and especially the Gospels. You might be surprised at the variety…eagles, doves, and sparrows are just a few.
Action: We often talk about reduce, reuse, recycle. How can we focus on reducing what we regularly consume or buy? In Catholicism, we have great saints that made do with what they had and were content. Take a look at your budget and find areas where spending can be reduced, especially in consumer goods. Create a list of discerning question when you find something you are interested in buying…have I thought about it for at least two weeks? Does it solve a problem I’ve genuinely noticed? Can I be productive and happy without it? What is the real reason I’m considering it? Find these questions and more from the Deliberation Station checklist available at https://www.downsizeupgrade.com/product-page/deliberation-station.
Almsgiving: We have two great thrift stores in our area working deliberately with Catholic-based non-profits. Blessings Abound is a community partner of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph with a location at 13637 Washington, KCMO 64145. The Mission Thrift Store proceeds help support the mission of St. Mary’s Home for Mothers; their location is 7210 North Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118. Consider donating to these two thrift store locations today!
*source: https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/international-day-clean-air-blue-skies-2025