First Lutheran Church

PET BLESSING & PENTECOST XXI

Officiants Today

Introduction

The annual feast of St. Francis of Assisi is traditionally held on October 4. Francis is known on most church calendars as a “church reformer.” In the 13th century, Francis rebuilt the church in its outward form of mission to the outside world. Francis and his followers chose to live in nature rather than permanent physical structures. Francis embraced all of creation from birds to wolves to Brother Son to Sister Moon. Popular culture has embraced his countercultural identity in his association with Creation Theology and most closely identified him with popular blessings of animals and pet companions. Our relationship to creation and especially our pet companions point to our relationships with Jesus. It is no coincidence that Pope Francis I took the name of Francis on his consecration as Pontiff in 2013 given their shared humility and identity with the marginalized.