I ask for a bit of patience. I'm Catholic by birth and upbringing and still love rituals and Saints (fake ones and semi-fake ones). Today is the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi. Franciscan (ok, he invented the community) and historically known as a lover of animals -- including humans.
Lots of folks love the superstition of the blessing of animals on this date -- I love it too, even though my cats have never been blessed but often cursed by me. I find the ceremony lovely. Ok, what the hell am I talking about?
Today I learned the essence of St. Francis -- which is the essence of Jesus -- which is the essence of moral humans who claim faiths or non-faiths: Love thy neighbor (human or higher species like cats and dogs).
I have gotten into snippy repartees with many folks (ok, a few) herein. They were political disagreements. It doesn't take too much to get my hackles up. I blame it on the Irish genes -- why take personal responsibility?
Today I learned a lesson. Folks with whom I've been snotty on political issues have fuller lives which involve generosity, compassion and heartache. I found that out earlier through IGTNT diaries -- but today, I had a good slap in the face. I learned to temper my responses because I really don't want to think I'm clever in slamming someone who has a life beyond political arguments. I learned that I have been a jerk with people who are fundamentally compassionate -- and some who have struggled with darkness.
I'm imperfect -- so there are still folks who I think need one of my unpleasant responses. Perhaps it is because I don't know enough from where they are coming. This place involves process and growth.
I'm sure this diary makes zero sense to most here -- but it is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi -- so maybe we can all spend a few hours remaining to think about the blessings of living things, including most people.
Peace and blessings for the vulnerable among us. Peace and blessings for the desperate and lost. Peace and blessings for those who know their weaknesses and yet reach out to one who is weaker.