I would like to reclaim an ancient, evolving and very Franciscan metaphor to rightly name the nature of the universe, and to direct our future thinking: the image of “the Great Chain of Being.” It was a metaphor not of hierarchy but of connection, thus the word “chain.” The essential and unbreakable links in the great chain include
the Divine Creator,
the angels, saints, and ancestors,
the humans,
the animals,
the world of plants, trees, and vegetation,
the waters upon the earth,
the earth itself with its minerals and metals.
Each, in themselves, and in their union together, they proclaim the glory of God (Psalm 104) and the inherent dignity of all things. This image became the basis for calling anything and everything sacred.
Adapted from Hope Against Darkness (p. 135)
From Richard's Daily Meditations.
I like the juxtaposition of animals of the Franciscan chain in this post with the next preceding post about silence of the lambs.
ReplyDeleteCrapaud, when I found the two in my email this morning, I was startled, and, of course, I decided to post both of them. They fit so neatly together.
ReplyDeleteAmen to this!
ReplyDelete"For I will consider my cat Jeoffry.
ReplyDeleteFor he is the servant of the Living God,
duly and daily serving him.
For at the first glance of the glory of God in
the East, he worships in his way.
For this is done by wreathing his body seven
times 'round with elegant quickness.
For he knows that God is his Saviour.
For God has bless'd him in the variety of his
movements.
For there is nothing sweeter than his peace
at rest.
For I am possessed of a cat,
surpassing in beauty,
for whom I take occasion to bless
Almighty God."
This is an excerpt from the poem Jubilate Agno by Christopher Smart which Benjamin Britten set to music in "Rejoice in the Lamb."
Does it apply, Mimi? If not take it down.
Susan, it's beautiful, and it applies. It's not going anywhere.
ReplyDelete