“The Little Ones We’ve Loved” - The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Readings 100425 

I have a backyard pet cemetery.
Goldfish, guinea pigs, cats, and dogs—each one buried with a prayer.
We thank God for the joy they gave,
for the way they made our children laugh,
for the quiet comfort they brought in sorrow.

People ask me, “Will I see my pets in heaven?”
And I say gently, “I’ve never been to heaven.”
Some priests say, “No, no, no!”
Others bless pets on the Feast of St. Francis.
St. Francis, who called the sun his brother,
the moon his sister,
and said, “Ask the beasts, and they will teach you the beauty of this earth.”

Today’s readings speak of mourning and return.
Baruch cries out: “Fear not, my children; call out to God!”
The Psalm sings: “Let the heavens and the earth praise Him, the seas and whatever moves in them!”
And Jesus rejoices—not in power, but in childlike wonder.
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.”

The Church teaches that creation is not discarded, but transfigured.
Not thrown away, but made new.
Not just Eden restored, but communion fulfilled.

So I trust—quietly, hopefully—
that the God who listens to the poor,
who reveals His mysteries to the childlike,
who rejoices in the little ones,
will not forget the creatures we’ve loved.
And maybe, just maybe,
the garden we’ve planted with tears
will bloom again in joy.

“Praise for Creation”

Lord of all life,
we praise You for the beauty of Your world—
for sun and soil,
for bird and beast,
for every breath that sings Your name.

Teach us to walk gently,
to bless what You have made,
and to see Your glory
in all that lives and grows.

Amen.