Franciscan Reflections

This past Saturday (October 4) was St. Francis Day, which commemorates the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis was a significant figure of medieval Christianity known for his devotion to God and his commitment to a life of poverty. He is also the patron saint of animals and the environment because he taught that humans are responsible for caring for God's creation. As lovers of nature, my wife and I are big fans of St. Francis, and as such we have a Franciscan icon and a couple garden statues in our yard.

This past Tuesday, we looked out the back window and caught sight of a squirrel paying special attention to one of them. We had never seen anything like it before. The little critter didn't really seem to be playing but rather spending time just hugging the stone replica of the saint. Of course, Ginger rushed to get the camera and snapped the photo above.

The whole thing was quite humorous and endearing. But for me, it was also a reminder of the saint. I was so busy that week that I had forgotten all about Francis' feast day as well as the blessing of the animals (sorry pet owners). And I would think this happens to many people. The busyness of life has us rush through our days without contemplating the blessing of God's creation.

In those times, it takes mindfulness to stop and appreciate a sunset, pet our dog, or watch silly squirrels play in the yard. But doing so is, in part at least, a remedy for the tension of a busy society. Nature gazing, in fact, is scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. God intended it to be so.

But beyond that, St. Francis Day reminds us that we are to be stewards of God's creation. We're to love and care for the nature that God made.

Friends, as the busy demands of modern life threaten to blind us to the beauty of God's created order, let's be intentional about opening our eyes and appreciating it. And as we do, may we seek the Lord's guidance on how best to preserve and care for what he has graciously given us in nature.

Fr. Darin+