Crowned
What are human beings that you are mindful of them,
or mortals, that you care for them?
You have made them for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned them with glory and honor,
subjecting all things under their feet.” ~ Hebrews 5:6-8
Peace and grace to you. I hope that you have enjoyed the sunshine made possible by the break in the rain these past few days. Perhaps you have walked your neighborhood, a park, or the Saint Peter’s campus. All those affected by hurricane Helene continue in our prayers. It will be some time before much of those areas impacted return to a normal life.
The writer of the passage of Hebrews quoted above and that we will hear tomorrow speaks of the surprising glory of humankind. The Psalmist, which the writer of Hebrews quotes, gives thanks for God’s great love for humanity. We are a people crowned with glory and honor. To us has been given the distinct responsibility to care for the earth and all the creatures who dwell within it.
Our beloved pets remind us of this responsibility. They also remind us that our relationship with creation is marked by mutuality: dogs eagerly await our attention at our feet, cats brush against our legs, while trying to maintain an air of indifference, hedgehogs curl up in the palms of our hands. All give and seek affection. Tomorrow is the annual pet blessing, a day of joy, delight, and a bit of chaos. We will gather on the back lawn at 10:15 AM (and again at 4 PM) with our furry (and not so furry) friends (on leashes and in crates) so that they too might receive a blessing.
Can’t bring a pet? Bring a photograph. Or bring your stuffed animal. I know of a 2’ elephant that might show up.
We take our responsibility as people “crowned with glory and honor” seriously. I encourage you to plan to attend an important Adult Forum tomorrow at 9 AM. The Creation Care Team will present upcoming initiatives at Saint Peter’s that will impact our campus as we seek to be good stewards of the earth, including a community garden, improvements to our grounds and facility, and educational opportunities.
As for today, if you can, rest. God invites us to rest on the Sabbath day (today). Know that you are created for glory and honor.
