Blessing of the Animals II
PVUMC was a busy place last weekend with the “Blessing of the Animals” which was open to our community. I did not get to go to the animal blessing but from what I hear, it was wonderful. I heard someone say they thought this service was silly and I did when I first heard about it. Then I remembered the most beautiful place in the world that I have ever visited - South Africa. I always say God really showed off when He made their mountains, oceans and animals! Truly those baboons, giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras and panthers were truly like works of art. To see them in their own surroundings taking care of their family, hunting or running. To see the very pregnant zebra was breathtaking. I had never had such an appreciation of animals before. God’s creation in the animals was like beautiful artwork! Psalm 148: 10-13, “...wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” Revelation 5: 13, “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
We are first told about animals in Genesis. Genesis 1: 20-25, “ And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day. And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”
The Blessing Of The Animals service is dedicated to our pet’s, the men and women who serve as veterinarians and vet technicians all over the world. The animal blessing is based on Job 12: 7-10, “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
Most of the songs are about animals. The liturgy spoke of the animals of God’s creation inhabiting the skies, the earth and the seas. Animals were saved from the flood and afterwards were part of the covenant with Noah. A giant fish saved Jonah. Ravens brought bread to Elijah. Animals were included in the repentance of Ninevah. Someone said they had never seen so many dog strollers in one place! Charles reported that there were 65 people, 30 dogs, three cats, one chicken, one rabbit and one owl! Each of these animals had a blessing prayed over them. “In the Scriptures, the act of Blessing means imparting the power of life. The person performing the Blessing is mediating that power from God to the person or animal involved. To bless is more than an Angelic expression of goodwill or caring. The Blessing of each animal by name means that health, healing, and life are being mediated from God for the benefit of the animal in relation with it's human partners. We enforce our common kinship by blessing ALL animals in your care.”
This service is a reminder that God created the animals. Psalm 104: 24, “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. We can learn from animal’s wisdom, their loyalty and their ability to be present in the moment. I love to see an Eagle fly, bird formation, a dolphin playing in the water, a galloping horse, etc. May we praise Him for all the beauty in creation. May we praise Him for all the blessings we receive from animals. Blessed are you, Lord God, Maker of all living creatures!
Be sure to visit pvumc.net/blessingofanimals to view pictures & video of this year’s Blessing of the Animals.