Weekly Reflection - 9/30/24

The Blessing of the Animals! This Sunday, October 6

St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi offer a profound witness to a life of simplicity, care for creation, and radical love for all of God's creatures. Their legacy, especially in the Episcopal tradition, continues to inspire how we view the natural world and the animals with whom we share our lives.

St. Francis, known as the patron saint of animals and ecology, lived a life that embodied Christ’s call to love all of creation. He preached to birds, befriended wolves, and saw all creatures as his brothers and sisters. Francis reminds us that every creature is a reflection of God's creativity and that we, as stewards of this earth, are called to live in harmony with the natural world. His Canticle of the Sun beautifully captures his reverence for creation, praising the elements and animals as integral to God’s divine work.

St. Clare, a close companion of Francis, shared this deep love for creation. Her life of humility and devotion emphasizes a quiet, contemplative appreciation for the beauty of God's world. Together, Francis and Clare represent a model of faith that embraces simplicity and respect for the interconnectedness of all life.

At St. Mary’s, the Blessing of the Animals celebrates this Franciscan legacy, recognizing the sacredness of animals in our lives. Whether pets or wild creatures, animals are companions that remind us of the diversity and wonder of God’s creation. This blessing is not just about the animals themselves but a recognition of our responsibility to care for them and the environment we all inhabit. It invites us to live more mindfully, following Francis and Clare's example of reverence and gratitude for the world and all its creatures, great and small.

This Sunday, bring your pets, pictures of your pets, or stuffed animals representing your pets to the 9 and 11 am services and we will bless them, recognizing the great blessing they are to us!

The Rev. David Erickson