WEEKLY COMMENTARY: Do We Show Enough Gratitude For God's Creatures?

A recent newspaper story was entitled:  "Service This Sunday to Bless Pets."  This aroused my Presbyterian curiosity.  The story went on to say that a local Episcopal church would hold their annual "St. Francis Blessing of the Animals" at the 9 a.m. service on Sunday, September 28. Community members were encouraged to bring their pets, and a reception would follow, with treats for both humans and animals.

The newspaper story told nothing more to help me understand the purpose and meaning of this annual event.  But, I have a sweet little dog at home, and I wondered if she would miss out on something important if we did not attend that service.  So, I did a little research.

I learned that this church service, celebrated by Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches, is really in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's famed love for all creatures.  There are many stories of how St. Francis of Assisi (1182 - 1226) could communicate with animals and felt at one with all Creation.

But perhaps the ultimate source for this annual rite is the Creation Story (Genesis 1:1 - 34).  This Scripture passage recites, day by day, God's creational work. On the fifth day, it says, God brought forth swarms of living creatures in the air, in the water, and on the land, and God bid them to be fruitful and multiply.  On the sixth day, God created humankind in God's image, giving them dominion over the animals.

Some sources note how God directed Noah to build an ark, and to fill it with male and female members of each animal species to preserve their breed during the Flood.  And, other sources note that the "animals" must be highly favored by God because they do not plant crops or otherwise produce their food, but nevertheless they thrive.  Further, that God gives them streams to drink, and mountains and valleys for their refuge, and high trees upon which to make their nests.

The Episcopal Church version of this service includes a lengthy prayer, thanking God for his many gifts, and then:

          ".  .  .  .

           We thank you, Lord

           For all creatures that breathe, and move, and have life;

           For the songs of the birds and the loveliness of flowers and trees;

           For the trust you have shown in giving into our care these our pets;

           That each pet here may be treasured with care;

           That we may love and honor all of your works, O God.

            .  .  .  .

            Amen

Then, animal by animal, the Episcopal priest circulates through the congregation saying a few words of blessing to the animals individually and sprinkling a few drops of holy water on the animal and on the owner.

There is a closing prayer:

            "Almighty God, our great Creator, yours are the praise, the glory, the

             honor and all blessings!  To you alone do all things belong.  Be praised

             for giving us the animals, birds and fish which fill your world.  May we

             think of you and thank you when we play with and care for our pets.  Be

             praised for making us so happy to have our pets and to have them to

             play with.  We ask you, Lord, that we may be good to our pets always,

             so that they may be happy also.  Help us always to take care of them so

             that they will be healthy  .  .  .  ."

The emphasis of the Episcopal Church liturgy seems to be:  1.) to thank God for giving us the animals, birds and fish which fill our world; and 2.) for the often loving relationships we have with our pets.  The Roman Catholic Church liturgy is similar, but adds the request that Fatherly care and healing power be provided to our animal companions to take away any suffering they may have.  Then,  "Give us, their human friends, new understanding of our responsibilities to those creatures of yours."  The liturgy of the Franciscan Order ends with the words:  "Grant our petitions through the intercession of good St. Francis of Assisi, who honored You through all your creatures."

So, what kind of animals are likely to be blessed at the annual St. Francis Day blessing of the animals?  In an internet story about the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in upper Manhattan, a camel is pictured, walking with a human handler down the center aisle.  Other internet stories tell of alpacas, tortoises, foxes, hamsters and many pet dogs and cats, processing up the main aisle, attended by their human friends.  Last year, the Madison Eagle newspaper printed a photo of a chicken (in a cage) belonging to a Madison Grace Episcopal Church choir member, receiving a blessing.  Sometimes there is an animal-themed fair outside on the church grounds after the service.

To a Presbyterian observer, it may be tempting to focus on the drama of animals large and small being presented at the church service.  However, the main idea really is to celebrate God's Creation and to remember how St.Francis called our attention to this gift of God.

In fact, while Presbyterians may not celebrate saints, as do Roman Catholics and Episcopalians, we celebrate God's Creation in our own ways.  Our hands-on concern for protecting the environment (God's Creation) and our church-member involvement in "green" causes, goes on all

year round.  For us the spot-light is not on a one-day, late September, event.

While we Presbyterians may not specifically thank God for our pets and other animals, we do remember to continually thank God for the enriching presence these animals have in our lives ---- and many of us work continuously to maintain the Creation God has given us.

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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage you to pursue some personal spiritual growth this fall at CPC.