Today, we celebrate the animals in our lives and hold a special service at JOY to bless them. The tradition of blessing animals started in celebration of St. Francis of Assisi and his belief that all of God’s creatures, indeed all creation, are our brothers and sisters.
St. Francis is quoted saying, “All creatures have the same source as we have. Like us, they derive the life of thought, love, and will from the Creator.”
In an article, A Profile of the Patron Saint of Animals and Ecology, The Humane Society of the United States writes:
Francis’ deep love of God overflowed into love for all God’s creatures—expressed not only in his tender care of lepers and his (unsuccessful) attempt to negotiate peace between Muslims and Christians during the fifth Crusade, but also in his prayers of thanksgiving for creation, his sermons preached to animals, and his insistence that all creatures are brothers and sisters under God. …
In 1979, Pope John Paul II … encouraged Catholics to follow the example of Saint Francis by embracing all creatures as members of a single family and by offering respect, dignity, and care to each family member.[1]
There is a story often told about St. Francis preaching to the birds. As the story goes, Brother Masseo was accompanying Francis on a walk. When they came to field, they saw a multitude of birds in a few trees. Francis asked Brother Masseo to wait while he went to preach to the birds. Brother Masseo watched and listened, and later related the story to Brother James of Massa. Here’s the story:
“One time as [Francis] was passing through the Spoleto valley, he came upon a place near Bevagna, in which a great multitude of birds of various kinds had assembled. When the holy one of God saw them, because of the outstanding love of the Creator with which he loved all creatures, he ran swiftly to the place. He greeted them in his usual way, as if they shared in reason. As the birds did not take flight, he went to them, going to and fro among them, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic.
“Meanwhile his joy and wonder increased as he carefully admonished them to listen to the Word of God: ‘My brother birds, you should greatly praise your Creator and love Him always. He clothed you with feathers and gave you wings for flying. Among all His creatures He made you free and gave you the purity of the air. You neither sow nor reap, He nevertheless governs you without your least care.’
“At these words, the birds gestured a great deal, in their own way. They stretched their necks, spread their wings, opened their beaks and looked at him. They did not leave the place until, having made the sign of the cross, he blessed them and gave them permission. On returning to the brothers he began to accuse himself of negligence because he had not preached to the birds before. From that day on, he carefully exhorted birds and beasts and even insensible creatures to praise and love the Creator.” [2]
If you enjoyed this story about St. Francis, you can read other stories about him here: http://www.think-differently-about-sheep.com/Animal_Rights_A_History_Saint_Francis%20of%20Assisi.htm
Read Psalm 148, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!
Annie
Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20148
Joy Lutheran Church Ocala, Florida 