A Form of Creation

Commemoration of Saint Francis of Assisi

Matthew 11:25-30  New English Translation

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son decides to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”

Reflection

     The last few days have been full of rain and the ground is finally soft and recovering from the dryness of the summer. Rain typically brings a few confused crickets and earthworms into the garage through the tiny gap under the door. A red wriggler struggled on the concrete near the organizer shelf next to our door. I walked past it once, I believe taking the dogs out. The second time I walked past it, the struggle was slowing. It was time to move it back outside, I deposited carefully into a crack in the mulch. I put another bunch of moist mulch on top of it to rehydrate it and protect it from hungry birds. Yes, I know that it is just a worm--often described as one of the "lowest" forms in Creation. I could see not point, though, in just letting it die in the garage. Every worm has its part, even if it is just to make compost.

(Pixabay/Dimitris Vetsikas)

     I was encouraged by reading an email from Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest which described Saint Francis as removing worms from a path so they wouldn't be trampled. More important than making me feel like I had done a good thing, the article described the significance of humility and the love of God in Francis' understanding our place in the world. We are siblings with all of Creation. He saw us not as caretakers and overseers, but companions with all of the furry, scaled and multi-legged creatures  around us.

Dear Lord,

We praise you for all your goodness that is all around us. We thank you for the unity that we have together with creatures and all that fills the Earth. We pray your blessings on our pets, siblings close to us that show us love and can teach us humility. We ask for your continued care and watchfulness over them and all of us together as we learn to live as you intend. In your many Names of goodness, we pray. Amen.