Readings for The Feast of St. Francis and the Blessing of Animals
Mt. 21:33-34; Phil.3:14-21
October 2, 2005
The Rev. Karen Siegfriedt
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino,
CA
Jesus said: “The kingdom of God will...be given to a people that produce the fruit of the kingdom.” [Mt. 21:43] And what is this fruit that Jesus speaks of? It is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
On Monday morning, August 29, 2005, hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast with tremendous force. It caused the destruction of homes, displaced thousands of people, and destroyed the levies of New Orleans. On Tuesday, several people in the city of New Orleans (who had stayed in their homes) were swept away by floodwaters. One of these people was Kevin Williams. Unable to swim, he found himself stuck over his head in rising floodwaters outside his home in the French Quarter. While fearing for his life, a gift of love was presented to him. He felt a slight tug on his shirtsleeve. As he turned his head to see what was tugging at him, he saw a black Labrador retriever trying to grasp hold of him. Kevin had never seen this dog before, but he gently placed his arms around the dog who rescued him by swimming to shallow water.
Once on higher ground, a helicopter finally arrived to remove Kevin from the area. By this time, Kevin had become attached to this “saving” Labrador retriever whom he named, Katrina. Unfortunately, there was no room in the helicopter for Katrina. In tears, Kevin Williams left the dog to fend for herself amidst the flood and the rubble of destruction.
The following day, KCAL (a radio station) went to the area where the dog Katrina had been left. She was covered with diesel fuel, standing watch on a front porch, pacing back and forth. David Jackson and the crew from the radio station, picked up the dog, fed her, and brought her out of harm’s way. Jackson said: “We ran across the nicest dog in the whole world. What are the odds of that? The whole thing is a miracle.” Today, Katrina is living in southern California with Jackson and his family, until such time as her original owners claim her.
So it is in this context of inter-species love and affection, that we come together today for the blessing of the animals. Whenever we bless someone or something, we are affirming God’s love for creation. The gift of unconditional love has a ripple effect. One act of sacrificial love can lead to another act of sacrificial love. Just think how different this world could be if we were to nurtured this ripple effect of love and extend it to those in need?
The love between pets and people is something to be treasured. This bond can especially teach us how to better love one another because animals are capable of showing great love. In my household, no matter how sick, or tired, or disappointed my dog is, she is always at the door, wagging her tail, excited to see me. {And as you might remember, dog is god spelled backwards.}
Like the dog who pulled Kevin Williams out of the waters, we too have the power to save lives. The call to a holy life is a call to share generously our time, our resources, and our talents, to make this world a better place. This is stewardship at its best. This sacrificial posture of giving is at the core of Franciscan Spirituality. Since we are also celebrating the Feast Day of St. Francis, I would like to focus the remainder of my comments on the tenets of Franciscan Spirituality, using Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
Paul founded the Christian community at Philippi about 20 years after the death of Jesus. Philippi was an agricultural city of about 10,000 people, located near the Aegean Sea in northern Greece. By the time he had written this letter some ten years later, Paul was in prison. Yet the tone of this letter is one of joy and encouragement. This letter was written to a Christian community who was still learning how to be obedient to Christ. There were different factions in this congregation, each with its own opinion and agenda. It is into this context of “inching towards the kingdom of God” that Paul says: “Let those of us who are mature be of the same mind...Join in imitating me and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” [Phil. 3]
Imitating Christ is the first tenet of Franciscan Spirituality. Jesus is the blueprint for Christian behavior. He is the spokesperson for and the image of God. If want to know how to be a faithful and righteous person, imitate Christ. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Paul’s image of the Christian life is that of a race. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” [Phil. 3:14] This particular race is not a competition in which only one person can succeed. But it is a reminder that we can never rest on our laurels. Full transformation is a continual endeavor, beckoning us ever forward. In this race, it is possible for everyone who takes part to win and for everyone to receive a prize. The prize of course, is becoming united with Christ. So, the imitation of Christ is not limited to only good external behavior but it extends into our whole inner being, such that “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
The second tenet of Franciscan Spirituality is poverty. St. Francis was not merely poor. He was “the poor man, the little poor man.” How far he carried poverty and renunciation is legendary, although excesses and exaggerations have been heaped upon him over the years. Following his death, even his closest disciples could not maintain the excessive poverty that St. Francis embraced, and so the rule was adjusted. But if we were to look at the vow of poverty as simply a material issue, we would miss the full meaning of this practice. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages his congregation to get over their selfish desires and challenging personalities. He talks about the theology of kenosis which is a Greek word for self-emptying. He says: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-even death on a cross.” [Phil 2:5-8]
Contrary to secular opinion and practice, the universe does not revolve around us. The universe revolves around the first principle of life, which in theological terms is called Christ. Our over-indulgence, our exploitation of other people, our blindness to human need and suffering, all need to be emptied out, so we can be filled with the mind of Christ, whose blueprint for humanity was revealed to us in the life of Jesus.
Love for all of God’s creatures is the third tenet of Franciscan Spirituality. Franciscans find great joy in all creation. It contains no hidden snares. Creation lifts the Franciscan up to God where it is enjoyed with thanksgiving and discretion. If we were to view the other creatures of this planet as our brothers and sisters, then our animal farming and eating practices would be very different.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul talks about the excesses of some of the people in the congregation: “Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ...Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.” [Phil. 3:19] Paul is speaking about people self-indulgent appetites and ways, intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and the waste and pollution of creation. This posture of indulgence has nothing to do with the mind of Christ. We are called to leave a light footprint on this earth so that future generations can rejoice in its beauty.
Finally, the forth tenet of Franciscan Spirituality is the literal interpretation of the gospel. If Jesus said, “take up your cross and follow me,” Franciscans believe that we are to do just that. We are called to live a compassionate and sacrificial life. For St. Francis as well as for St. Paul, living the Christian life is serious business that requires our full commitment and a willingness to be made new. “Behold, I am making all things new.” Following Christ is not a doctrine. It is a way of life which expands our circle of concern beyond ourselves and our immediate families into the realm of the human family. And if we stop and take the time to notice the large gaping hole in our world, we will know that this human family of ours is in such great need of healing. Healing is at the core of the theology of salvation. And it is our responsibility to be agents of healing and icons of hope to those who are in need.
If a black Labrador Retriever could think of a way to save a drowning man who was twice her size, I am sure we can think of ways to reach out to save others in need. The Christian life is about remembering the poor, the needy, the displaced, the hungry, the homeless, the oppressed, the abused, and the sick, with your prayers and with your resources. So reach out your hands within your sphere and pass along the gift of love. This is what it means to welcome the kingdom of God into our midst.
“Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring your love. Where there is injury your pardon Lord, and where there’s doubt true faith in you.” [Prayer attributed to St. Francis]
| Updated 10/2/2005 |
|