How Will We Decide?

Faithful Budgets, Faithful Citizenship, Faithful Brothers and Sisters to our Neighbors, to our one Earth Community on our Journey, all have to do with just, loving choices with special concern for the poor and marginalized, who have little or no voice.  Humans have human rights;
animals have animal rights.  How will we decide?  How will we as a community and individually give handups?  How will we leave our magnificent Earth home for our children and grandchildren, for the bird "children", the fish children, the deer children, the cattle children, the lion children, the plant children, etc.
COMMENT:  1. What are some human rights?
                       2.  What are some animal rights?
                       3.  Description of  living Earth:  "We are not a collection of objects but a communion of subjects." (Thomas Berry, cultural historian 1914-2009)

                      

"Let Everything that Breathes Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 150)

Praise is an important form of prayer.  Our pets, all animals and all Creation join in praise according to the Psalms:

                                                   

                                                           
                                                                                                       
Praise him sun and moon...
Praise the Lord from the earth...

















 
fire and hail, snow and frost...            
fruit trees and all cedars!











Wild animals and all cattle,                    
      creeping things and flying birds!

                                                                                       




                                                     







Kings of the earth and all peoples,
     princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
     old and young together!        

Comment:  What new insights have you gained to help you on our Journey?
                    How can you show appreciation for such a magnificent Earth?
                    What steps must we take to heal and nurture Earth for present & future generations?
   
                       

Blessing our Pets that are a Blessing to Us

"Let Everything that Has Breath, Praise the Lord!"

 

Talks: Nuns on the Ferry

http://youtu.be/uy1kz7SdX_I

Click.

See you.tube.com "Nuns on the Ferry" for a variety of pictures and views.

Where Can You Learn More about the "Faithful Budget?

In response to that and similar questions you can go to
http://www.faithfulbudget.org
This is formed by an Interfaith Coalition.

Related to this you can find "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" under Issues & Action at http://www.usccb.org
This comes from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Both highlight responsibility to the poor and working in harmony with creation, among other priorities.

Who are Our Brothers' and Sisters' Keeper Today on Our Journey?

That calling is for all of us NOW, not just yesterday's saints.  One group that takes this calling seriously in the 21st c. is Network, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, of Nuns and Lay Women, presently headed by Sister Simone Campbell.  This lobby promotes Faith, Family and Fairness.  Members do not want a budget balanced on the backs of working families and the elderly(Rep. Ryan's).  Faith leaders and participants will present the Washington DC Interfaith Coalition's "Faiithful Budget" proposal to N.Y. Members of Congress.  Nuns on the Bus will transfer to Nuns on the Ferry.  All are welcome for the events, including the Ferry Ride to Staten Island.
                   
                    NUNS ON THE FERRY, 11:30AM
                    MON., SEPT. 24, 2012
                    SOUTH FERRY, MANHATTAN

Who is the Patron Saint of Dogs?

The members of your family might like to know, including your canine member.  Here are a few hints.  His first initial is R and was born in 14th c. France, but later journeyed to present Italy.  Like St. Francis he renounced his riches and helped the poor and the ill.  When he himself became needy due to the plague, a dog befriended him and brought R food daily until he finally was rescued by the dog's wealthy owner and overcame the disease.

 R is prayed to for healing and is also the patron saint for several others, i.e., druggists and vetinarians.  (For interesting details see Angelo Stagnaro, "Dog's Best Friend" in U.S. Catholic, Oct. 2012).
Feel free to make any Comment or if you have discovered St. R's name.

Blessing of Animals Oct. 4

The Blessing of Animals takes place in many parishes on Oct. 4.  This is the feast of the universally loved St. Francis of Assisi (13th c.) who exalted in a kinship relationship with all of Creation (see earlier post).  This ritual reminds us that animals are sacred.  All of Creation is sacred since it comes from God. We have a responsibility and a privilege to care for animals and befriend Creation by mutal support.

Teamwork

Animals show us teamwork.   

We accomplish so much more by pulling together in the family, neighborhood, workplace, interfaith prayers and justice activities, in education, in recreation, in the nation and in the global community on our Journey. 

Can you give any examples of this? 
 
Feel free to comment on this Zambian saying: "I am, because we are."

Our Pets Can Lead Us to Mystery, to God

 Meister Eckhart (13th-14thc.) tells us that every creature is a word of God.  Thus, our pets among other creatures, reflect to us something of the divine and can guide us to the divine.  They listen to us, communicate with us, bring us joy, teach us loyalty, self-giving, spontaneity, authenticity and  playfulness.

Our pets love us unconditionally, regardless of our race, gender, age, religion or no religion, sexual orientation, social status, vocation, politics, employment or unemployment, regardless of being president or pauper, employer or employee.

They draw out compassion in us and can lead us to experience deeper mystery in creation, ourselves, our neighbors and a deeper listening to God.  Our pets do not replace human spiritual directors, but they, by their very being, can help renew our spirits, our love of life and to experience the divine.

How is your pet or another creature a word of God or a book about God to you?
Comment on how your pet or some creature has given you better self-understanding.
Has your pet or another creature helped you to become closer to others and/or to God?

A Good Listener

Sometimes we seem to glide across the surface of our lves, but eventually, we must face the "tiger" within. 

What is our role in the cosmos and our evolving identity?  Who is the cosmos and the Creator calling me to become?

Your dog can brighten the darkest day. Your dog can  be a faithful companion on the journey. Your pet always forgives. Your pet shows you how to forgive and to really live.