3 October
Dear friends,
You might know the old joke. A man entered a Reformed church and spoke to the minister. “Father, my dog is ill. Could you do a blessing for the poor creature?” The minister replied, “No, we cannot have a service for an animal in the Reformed church. But there is a Catholic church down the road. Maybe they will do something for the animal.” The man answered, “Minister, but do you think they will accept a donation of €1500 to bless a Presbyterian dog?” The minister exclaimed, “My goodness! Why didn’t you tell me that dog was Presbyterian? Of course we can do the service here in our church!”
Indeed, we are not used to having “a Blessing of the Animals” in the Reformed tradition. Yet, this is exactly what happens in many churches across the world on the 4th of October. It is linked to the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. Recently, this day has grown in ecumenical significance as it marks the end of the Season of Creation. That it is linked to the life of St Francis is certainly worth celebrating. Francis was known for talking to animals – long before the days of Dr. Dolittle!
As John Feister writes in Franciscan Media, Francis once came across a flock of birds near the town of Bevagna. Apparently, there were all kinds of birds sitting in the road. He greeted them, believing that they would fly off as he started speaking, but, instead, the opposite happened. He asked them if they would stay awhile and listen to the Word of God. He said to them: “My brother and sister birds, you should praise your Creator and always love him: He gave you feathers for clothes, wings to fly and all other things that you need. It is God who made you noble among all creatures, making your home in thin, pure air. Without sowing or reaping, you receive God’s guidance and protection.”
At this, as legend has it, the birds began to spread their wings, stretch their necks and gaze at Francis, rejoicing and praising God in a wonderful way according to their nature. Francis then walked right through the middle of them, turned around and came back, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic.
It has been said that the brothers who journeyed with him stood in amazement. Then he gave them his blessing, making the sign of the cross over them. At that, they flew off and Francis, rejoicing and giving thanks to God, went on his way.
Since that day, Francis would often speak to the birds – even reprimanding them when they made too much noise during a church service.
If ever you visit Assisi, you will find, perched on the hill outside the city, the Sanctuary of Eremo delle Carceri. If one walks down these paths, one can see that Francis’ spirituality was shaped by nature. You can still attend communion services at the stone altars in the forest with century-old oak trees.
St. Francis tells the birds to praise God. I wonder what the animals would say if they spoke back to him? More importantly, I wonder what they would say to us if they could speak?
Marius