SAINT
FRANCIS - FRIEND OF ANIMALS
Good
Saint Francis, you have the ear of God.
Legend tells us that you could speak
to the animals.
Help us properly understand, cherish and respect
these marvelous creatures of God, each in its own habitat,
manners and disposition.
The
fierce and wild untamed species - lions
and leopards, rattlesnakes and venomous spiders -
remind us of the ferocious and irresistible power
of a heaven provoked. Keep us, Francis
out of harm's way.
Our domesticated dogs and cats, caterpillars,
peacocks and swans, are gentle reminders
of God's own elegant love for us reflected
in all creation. Keep us, Francis, reminded
of God's dazzling gifts and benevolence.
Guide us, Francis, to give our pets
and all other fish, birds and animals the care and the
love they deserve, and never ever to misuse or abuse
them.
Please,
Francis, ask God to keep us
and our animal friends in the hollow of His arm, and
the warmth of his heart, until and we
(and they?) come to His heavenly kingdom
in eternity.
Amen.
