In today’s first reading we hear the words, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18), and so in this second account of creation, God creates a variety of companions for man before finally creating woman. The focus on this account is often placed on the creation of woman and what is happening in between therefore goes unnoticed and is rarely mentioned.
However, before creating another human to join man, God was already creating companions for man: “So the LORD God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air.” (Genesis 2:19). When deciding to “make a suitable partner” (Genesis 2:18) to join man, God begins by creating animals revealing that nature and animals are not an afterthought. We are as connected to creation as we are to each other in God’s one loving family.
Last Friday we celebrated the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of the environment, animals and birds because of the love and respect that he gave to all of God’s creation. In his Canticle of the Creatures, St Francis illustrated the connection that we have to all of creation by referring to each of the different elements as brother and sister.
We are each in our own way called to use our different gifts to spread God’s message of hope, love and peace. From my experience, creation does this so simply. How many times have you experienced moments of wonder and awe outside in nature? Whether it be getting up early to watch a sunrise, stargazing at night, or taking in the view when you have reached the top of a summit, these moments take our breath away and provide us with a lasting peace in the following days.
Animals too have much to offer us. I was blessed to grow up in a home where the presence of dogs, cats and birds enhanced the love that was already present. Each of these pets had their own unique personality and in their own way they provided, and continue to provide, lessons in love, kindness and faith that no class can teach. The deep love that pets give is a love that we would do well to learn from. Animals were the first companions that God created to join man, and that is what I think we should be celebrating today. For so many of us, our loving pets have and will always play a significant part in our lives and every opportunity we get, we should celebrate our special relationship with them.
Victoria Byrne
