From the Rector…
St. Francis believed that all creatures were equal under the eyes of God and thus should all be treated with respect. Stories are told of him preaching to birds and even a man-eating wolf. As humans, he saw our responsibility to God’s creation as a stewardship in which we should honor and build up that creation. Creation is not something to be used for human gain but to be cared for so that the earth and all therein might flourish.
I write this as I sit in my car on idle in a parking lot in South Atlanta. The sounds of traffic—cars whizzing by and horns blaring—is my background music. The hum of the engine and industrial noises nearby almost keep me from hearing the birds or noticing the blue sky and the green trees that surround me. It’s easy to get distracted by the things of man and important to remember the beauty of this earth and the gift God has given to us in creation.
Sunday we celebrated that gift with the Blessing of the Animals. It it a joyous occasion to share our liturgy with our furry friends. They inspire a bit of fun and frivolity in the service that doesn’t make our worship less meaningful but much more joyful. The sounds of dogs barking and children laughing centers us on the goodness of God. It reminds me of Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity.”
There will always be a lot of reasons for us to be divided in our thinking and beliefs, but creation has the power to help us come together in joy when we bless our pets and in concern and compassion when we help others recover from natural disaster.
We have been given the responsibility of stewardship for this good earth by the God who created it. Take a moment this day to remember the gift that it is to care for something so beautiful, so life giving, so joyful.
Light and Life,
Candice+