The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4)always reminds us about the emotional value of our pets. Is there any theology involved? St. Francis reminds us that animals are of God’s creation. They don’t have a soul or a spirit as we do, but they are of God’s creation. That’s why Francis talks about Brother Sun and Sister Moon. He found the wisdom and the creativity of God in all creatures. He believed that as we get to know God’s creative work and become friends with and close to God’s creative work, we also come to know the Creator. God can speak to us in many different ways, even through the simplicity and the dependency of an animal, so we ask God to bless them. Whatever the pet is – a dog, cat, bird, fish or even a snake – it gives us an opportunity to see God’s creation, to think beyond ourselves.
It’s kind of amazing that pets can teach us to be more sensitive to human beings. In their great need, they show us how to be attentive to others. For the most part, they offer us unconditional love and presence.
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Thanks Mary Jane for sharing!
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