Saint of the Day
St. Francis of Assisi
Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (1181–1226), known as Francis, was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant who renounced his inheritance to embrace radical poverty, preaching repentance and care for the poor. He founded the Franciscan Order and composed the "Canticle of the Creatures," one of the earliest works of Italian literature. He is the patron saint of animals and ecology.
Scripture Reading
Psalm 148:7-10
Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds.
Reflection
St. Francis of Assisi heard the voice of God in every creature and called the sun his brother and the moon his sister. His life teaches us that creation is not ours to exploit but a gift to be reverenced, for it bears the fingerprints of the Creator. Today, step outside and let the world around you draw you to worship. The stones themselves cry out God's glory.
Prayer for Today
In Your infinite wisdom, Lord God, when You created the Universe You blessed us with all living creatures. We especially thank You for giving us our pets who are our friends and who bring us so much joy in life. Their presence very often helps us get
through trying times. Kindly bless my pet. May my pet continue giving me joy and remind me of Your power.
May we realize that as our pets trust us to take care of them, so we should trust You to take care of us, and in taking care of them we share in Your love for all Your creatures. Enlighten our minds to preserve all endangered species so that we may continue
to appreciate all Your creatures.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
through trying times. Kindly bless my pet. May my pet continue giving me joy and remind me of Your power.
May we realize that as our pets trust us to take care of them, so we should trust You to take care of us, and in taking care of them we share in Your love for all Your creatures. Enlighten our minds to preserve all endangered species so that we may continue
to appreciate all Your creatures.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Amen.