Image: Barbara Ryther
Feast of St. Francis
I am always struck by the words Father Ryan uses during the Blessing of the Animals on the Feast of St. Francis. He addresses each animal who is offered for a blessing as “fellow creature…” It is a subtle but meaningful reminder of our profound connection with the animals with whom we share this planet.
Those of us who have had pets – or who come in contact with those who do – know the strong bond that can develop, and the relationships that can be both deep and simple.
Take Chester, for example. This summer Chester, a lovely golden retriever, became Chester the Church Dog, because, well, Sabbatical. If Chester had thoughts about his new schedule, coming to St. George’s with his human and spending time in the office, he kept those thoughts to himself. He didn’t intrude, although he might helpfully place himself within petting distance of a particularly receptive visitor. Sometimes he slept, sometimes he eagerly accepted treats, sometimes he just wrapped himself around his stuffed bear and exuded calm and patience simply because he was with his human.
In our suburban environment we may not interact with many other animals besides house pets, but when we do it can open our eyes to a wider world and our place in it. I was able to spend time this summer with some llamas and alpacas, as well as a particularly beautiful angora goat and a stunningly unattractive turkey. It was humbling to see them look at me and see nothing about my past career, my education, my standing in the community, my beliefs. They just recognized another creature who had wandered into their world, and who apparently meant no harm so was therefore accepted. No relationship other than the incredible one of living together on this earth.
But in that relationship, there’s a responsibility that is ours alone. A responsibility to be aware, to care, to honor the connection, to see value in lives we can’t always understand. We are not only fellow creatures, we are also stewards
And as for our relationship with our fellow human creatures, we have this to remind us:
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
NOTE: If there is a special animal in your life, or if you have encountered an animal that made an impression on you, please send us a picture! We will use them for a future collage. You can send your files (jpeg preferred) to office@stgeorgesyorkharbor.org