where's God in this?

It was easy to love God in all that

was beautiful.

The lessons of deeper knowledge, though, instructed me

to embrace God in all

things.

St. Francis of Assisi

(for those who cannot find hope

 in whatever this day has brought)

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

This is the day that animals flock to churches with their humans, to receive their blessing in honor of their patron saint, Francis of Assisi, who loved animals & nature and considered everything to have been created for the glory of God. Here is the pet blessing that will be said at many churches today:

"Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen."

The photo is from the animal blessing at St. John the Divine in New York. The article will explain the camel :)