Care … rests upon genuine religion. Care allows creatures to escape our explanations into their actual presence and their essential mystery. In taking care of our fellow creatures, we acknowledge that they are not ours; we acknowledge that they belong to an order and harmony of which we ourselves are parts. To answer to the perpetual crisis of our presence in this abounding and dangerous world, we have only the perpetual obligation of care.
Wendel Berry, Another Turn of the Crank

On Sunday, our youth learned about raptors and saw live birds brought to use by Fontenelle Forest Raptor Recovery, and we met in the afternoon to bless our beloved pets. This week at the Eucharist for the residents of Sterling Ridge retirement center we observed the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis lived around 1200. He was from a wealthy family, and one day the cries of the hungry and poor touched his soul and he decided to give up everything–much to his family’s dismay. The legend is that he and his father got into such a heated argument about Francis’ decision that finally Francis look off his fine clothing and walked away naked. 

Because of his love for creation, we know Francis today as the patron saint of animals. We are all familiar with the Prayer of St. Francis–more properly called the Prayer *Attributed* to St. Francis, as it is a modern prayer and not one from medieval times. It does, nonetheless, convey the spirit of St. Francis’ teaching and preaching. The same is true of another quotation frequently attributed to him, one of my favorites: “Preach the Gospel at all times; use words if absolutely necessary.” Why do we bless our pets? Because they are an icon to us of God’s unconditional love. They help us understand trust, companionship, and simplicity. They are a constant reminder of God’s commission in Genesis that gave all of nature into our care and stewardship. We bless our pets because they provide a way to preach the Gospel without words: “care for the least, care for the lowly, care for creation.”

To bless something is to mark it as holy, as something set apart and beloved by God. Have you ever wondered why I sign my name with a little plus sign at the end? This tradition is at least 1,000 years old—priests close their notes and letters with not just our name, but also with a blessing. You are all marked as holy, Signed by the cross at your Baptism, set apart and beloved by God. Know that I pray for you each day, and I bless you for all that you are and all that you do.

Yours in Christ’s love,