Ranger

"The night has passed and the day lies open before us: let us
pray with one heart and mind. As we rejoice in the gift of this
new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our 
hearts on fire with love for you."

Romans 12 : 9

Good morning sisters and brothers;

I have included a picture of Ranger, our newest member of the Dunblane family, taken on the day he arrived. We decided upon the name of Ranger because we think he looks like Smokey the Bear, who of course is a national park ranger. He and Frijolito have become best friends. Crookshanks and Kit , on the other hand, just barely tolerate him. 

Ranger is a sweetheart. He follows us everywhere. If he is not chewing a slipper or chasing a rubber ball, he can usually be found fast asleep at someone's feet. There is not a mean bone in his body, and he is delightfully fluffy and loves to cuddle. He would be the perfect buddy to bring into a retirement home to brighten the lives of those who live there. And that is exactly what our pets do. They brighten our lives. They make us more human. They show us the true meaning of unconditional love. They can teach us how to be better disciples. And as we rejoice in the gift of this new day, we are reminded that as long as animals are made to suffer, there will be no peace on earth. According to Gandhi, the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. I wholeheartedly agree.  

This morning I walked by the memorial garden in the wild meadow where Zazzles and Link are buried side by side. It is also where the large memorial plaque is located, which contains over fifty names of pets from our little reflection group. Each name represents a connection, an engagement with  a sentient being who loved unconditionally. Each name represents joy, as well as the sorrow of absence. 

We have agency, my sisters and brothers. The ability to enact change for the good in our lives. 

Let us be kinder.
More compassionate and respectful. 

Your homework for today is to send me a picture of your special animal friend and tell me why they make you a better person. 

God bless all creatures, great and small. 

Let us pray 

Dear God, creator of heaven and earth. We give you thanks and praise for the beauty of today and for the splendour of creation. We ask you to bless our pets, and all of your beautiful creatures. Help us to live in harmony with your creation. This we ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
Amen 

Diosito me los bendiga. 

Paz 

I love you 

John 

Remember, you have homework to do.