In the Shadow of St. Francis

Buenos días hermanas y hermanos;

Just a brief note to say hello and to remind our little reflection group that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. It is a privilege to be part of this faith community. 

This morning Dunblane Farm was veiled in a wispy fog that seemed reticent to remain close to the ground. When I went out to feed the barn cats, the fog floated skyward, reminding me of the northern lights we had the other night. It was breathtakingly beautiful. And as I stood by our bird feeder gazing up at the heavens, I felt a slight tug on my pant leg. I looked down and there was Alfred Tennyson, our lovely raccoon, staring straight into my soul. He was interested in the plastic container full of dry cat food that I was holding in my hands. Sitting on the dewy grass,  I placed a pile of food within reach. Alfred came over, sat next to me and began eating. Raccoons are fastidious creatures, and it was fascinating to watch as he handled the dry cat food with his dexterous fingers. Sitting side by side, Alfred and I welcomed the dawn with felicity and gratitude. This was a thin moment, a sacred space where the presence of God was electric. And as Alfred headed back to the barn, I looked up at the lush green branches of the brambles and realized that they were full of birds, waiting hungrily for me to fill the bird feeder. I stood up and asked " Are my lovelies hungry? " , and all at once they began to chirp and sing. 

St. Francis is the patron saint of the environment and the animals. 

It has been said that he would venture deep into the forests to preach to the animals. 

He gave up a life of extreme wealth to follow God and to care for all of God's creatures. 

He cast a long shadow of love and care across the landscape. 

God's creation would be better served if we walked in the shadow of St. Francis. 

May you have a lovely day, a peaceful afternoon, and a blessed evening. 

I ask our little reflection group to pray for Karen who lost her beloved four legged family member called Rocco. He now belongs to the ages, and runs freely in the verdant green pastures of remembrance. 

Let us pray 

A prayer for animals 
by Albert Schweitzer. 

Hear our humble prayer, O God
for our friends, the animals,
especially those that are suffering
for any that are lost or deserted,
frightened or hungry. 

We entreat for them all
Thy mercy and pity
and for those who deal with them
we ask a heart of compassion 
and gentle hands and kindly words. 

Make us, ourselves,
to be true friends to animals
and so to share
the blessings
of the merciful. 

Amen 

Bendiciones infinitas

Paz 

I love you 

John