St. Francis Page for Beloved Pets: People & Animals

Why dedicate part of this site to animals?

The bond between animals and people is natural. Genesis tells us that they were man's first companions and they have been our helpers and companions ever since. Original Sin changed the balance and death entered the world, but to this day many people enjoy a strong bond of love with animals. We share the same Creator. They are mentioned frequently in the Bible. God blesses them, cares for them, preserves them in the Ark, and includes them in His covenant with Noah. In the Old Testament, God demands that the first born both of humans and of animals be consecrated to Him. He tells us that the animals belong to Him and even instructs that animals do no work on the Sabbath. Animals (although sinless) have participated in people's acts of penance and are called in Scripture to praise God. As Jesus tells us, God feeds and sustains them, and that "not one of [the sparrows] has escaped the notice of God" (Lk. 12:6). 

In Scripture and elsewhere, animals are even seen as reflections of God: "For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen" (Wis. 13:5). Scripture also speaks of their wisdom, imparted by God. We know that animals have, not infrequently, saved human lives and that a very many people consider their pets part of their family. Animals have brought immeasurable joy and happiness to many people. We know they are truly the work of God's hands.

Further, we are told that "The just man takes care of his beast" (Prov. 12:10) and that "A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). We know that God loves all that He has made ["For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you? But you spare all things, because they are yours, O LORD and lover of souls, for your imperishable spirit is in all things!" (Wisdom 11:24-26,12:1)], and we are gladdened to note that animals are included in Scripture passages promising future peace and happiness:

• "Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea." (Isa. 11:6-9)

• "Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people. No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there, or the sound of crying; No longer shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not round out his full lifetime; He dies a mere youth who reaches but a hundred years, and he who fails of a hundred shall be thought accursed. They shall live in the houses they build, and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant; They shall not build houses for others to live in, or plant for others to eat. As the years of a tree, so the years of my people; and my chosen ones shall long enjoy the produce of their hands. They shall not toil in vain, nor beget children for sudden destruction; For a race blessed by the LORD are they and their offspring. Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hearken to them. The wolf and the lamb shall graze alike, and the lion shall eat hay like the ox (but the serpent's food shall be dust). None shall hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD." (Isa. 65:17-25)

• "I will make a covenant for them on that day, with the beasts of the field, with the birds of the air, and with the things that crawl on the ground. Bow and sword and war I will destroy from the land, and I will let them take their rest in security. I will espouse you to me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the LORD." (Taken from Hosea 2:20-22)

• "For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies." (Rom. 8:19-23) [As explained: "As (creation) shares in the penalty of corruption brought about by sin, so also will it share in the benefits of redemption and future glory that comprise the ultimate liberation of God's people".] 

Therefore the connection between people and animals (called our "brothers" and "sisters" by St. Francis of Assisi) is entirely natural and part of God's design.

Click Here For 'Scripture For Animal Lovers'

Click Here For 'Animals in Church History'

Click Here For 'Animals / Creation' Reflections