On Proud Princes

The feast of St. Francis. This is an unusual time in the life of the church, the Feast of St. Francis. At my home congregation, animals were brought in to worship with us on this feast day. A parrot alongside a cat. A gerbil alongside a fish. And dog, after dog, after dog. The dogs sometimes joined in on the hymns. That was nice and noisy.


I like the Feast of St. Francis because it reminds us that we are not alone in this world. And that we are not the creators of this world. Luther was very mindful of this. In preaching on the first article of the Apostle's Creed, he writes:

"Everything that exists is comprehended in that little word "creator." Therefore, everything you have, however small it may be, remember this when you say "creator," even if you set great store by it. Do not let us think that we have created ourselves, as the proud princes do."

It is good to remember our limitedness, if only to enable us to seek the vastness of God. That vastness is seen in creation and it's wild diversity; its ever-changing diversity. God, our creator, continues to create. Thank you, St. Francis, for reminding us.

Our pet blessing is this Sunday at 2:00 on the east side of the church. Bring animals great and small, giving thanks for God's creations.

See you in church,
VT...

Sermon excerpt can be found in "Ten Sermons on the Catechism" (1528) Luther's Works 51, 162-163.