Last updated: 06 October 2008

We begin each October by remembering St. Francis.  We remember him primarily in two connections -- his ministry with the poor and his relationship with animals.  Remembering him helps us renew our own trust in God and our connectedness with God's other creatures.

Francis left a life of wealth to care for lepers in the woods near Assisi, Italy.  Then one day five years later he heard a call telling him to go out into the larger world, possessing nothing but doing good everywhere.  He was ordained a deacon c. 1209.

Francis sought a simple way of life -- to be among the least of God's servants.  Trusting wholly in God, he discarded his staff and shoes, put on a long dark garment, and set out to save souls.

Today St. Francis is probably the most admired and least emulated of all the saints, which is understandable in a way.  No one here wants to set out barefoot.

But we are called by God to be "the light of the world" by the way we live our lives, and called, as a church here, to be a community of the Spirit which will shine out in a dark world.

As with St. Francis and the animals he loved, God has given us all we need - the gifts of the time of our lives, our talents, and our treasure.  All of these gifts come from God.  What we do with them is the question of stewardship - how we care for the gifts we have received.

In legend, St. Francis was particularly associated with animals, whose simplicity and trust in God sustained them better than did all the wealth, busyness and scheming of the people around them.  He went around, it was said, accompanied by a pet wolf, surrounded by fawns, and preaching to the birds.

Remembering St. Francis helps us renew our own trust in God and our connectedness with God's other creatures.  We honor and bless our pets for all they do to brighten our lives and lighten our burdens:

Eternal God, Creator of all things and giver of life, let your blessing be upon these creatures, and upon those who care for them, granting that through them, following the example of St. Francis, we and all your creation may reflect your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

 

The Sermon to the Birds

"My brothers, birds, you should praise your Creator very much and always love him; he gave you feathers to clothe you, wings so that you can fly, and whatever else was necessary for you.  God made you noble among his creatures, and he gave you a home in the purity of the air; though you neither sow nor reap, he nevertheless protects and governs you without any solicitude on your part."

Read more:  Francis, Clare, and other Franciscan Stuff