Tản mạn: ST. FRANCIS ASSISI AND THE LESSONS ABOUT LOVING CREATURES

    Inspired by the Laudato Si of Pope Francis and the example of St. Francis of Assisi, Christians always tend to be conscious that all are living in relationships, in concrete, through the relationship with God, humans, and creatures. People often focus on the relationship between God and humanity; however, this source inspired me to recognize my own mistakes when I fail to see the importance of harmonizing life through common connections.

    

    St. Francis, with a holy and friendly eye, considers creatures in relation to God, for they are created by God. It is necessary to understand that St. Francis did not exchange meaning and human dignity for other creatures, for each has its own purposes and meaning; however, he emphasized looking at human beings when they consider creatures. Some think that creatures, except human beings, belong totally to human authority, and they feel free to destroy all things they desire for their personal needs. Nevertheless, St. Francis teaches us to look at all things with harmonized perspectives, and that creatures are also effective ways to recognize the presence of God and His almighty power.

    Wandering around a park, I see a variety of plants; each type of grass, flower, and tree is different from the rest, and they also send a message to humans about Whom creates them and nourishes them day by day. St. Ignatius Loyola also invites those who practice the Spiritual Exercises to spend their last time in retreat contemplating the beauty of nature around us and the love of God. How beautiful is a life of harmonized sharing relationships with creatures.

    Besides, through this ideal life, humans learn how to respond to God's love. So, this is not an “idol” phenomenon when people highly appreciate other creatures, but rather they realize: how does God love them? How does God protect and provide for their lives? How does God bless them in relation to other creatures? Of course, humans and other creatures have finite lives, whether short-term or long-term, yet humans honour God through their species, their duties, and their theological and moral virtues… Loving creatures is one way they can manifest their love to God.

    Laudato Si reminds us of the voices of the earth, of creatures, and of our neighbours around us, and helps us recognize the hurts that we, humans and creatures, are carrying. Thus, we strive to live with sympathy and a friendly lifestyle.

    May St. Francis intercede for us to know how to love God through loving our neighbours and other creatures.

Author: Little Stream

Photo: Little Stream (2015)

Francis Monastery, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.