Sunday, October 5, 2025 – Leviticus 25:8-21, Job 12:7-10, Colossians, 1:15-20
There’s an old joke that asks the question, “Why do our family members push all of our buttons?” The answer is: “Because they installed them.” The people around us push our buttons because we project onto them the things that are unresolved in us. We need to see shadow aspects of our personalities mirrored in the outer world so that we can recognize – when we’re healthy about it – that what we are seeing in other people that sets us off is really just connecting with something deep inside of ourselves that needs healing.
I’ve often joked that in the absence of a husband, I project my stuff onto my pets. I’ve had cats that seemed like little spiritual gurus and dogs that helped me to heal some of my deepest issues. I consider our relationships with animals to be holy.
That’s why I felt it was important for us to welcome our pets into our sanctuary today. This service is devoted not just to us as people, but to the entire family of God’s creation. We welcome the wagging tails, the gentle purrs, the chirps, the hops, and the quiet presence of all the animals who share our homes and our hearts. I invite you to pause and think of an animal who has touched your life—maybe your loyal dog, your playful cat, a singing bird, or even the wildlife that visits your backyard. The bonds we have with our pets and all creatures are sacred, threads in the tapestry of God’s love that connect us to something bigger than ourselves.
God Cares for the Whole Earth
Let’s begin by recalling our reading from Leviticus, which paints a beautiful picture of God’s deep care for all creation. In this passage, God instructs the people to give the land itself a sabbath—a time to rest and be renewed. Every fiftieth year is declared a Jubilee: the land rests, debts are forgiven, families are reunited, and liberty is proclaimed throughout the land to all its inhabitants. This isn’t just about taking care of people; it’s about caring for the soil, the fields, and even the wild places. God’s instructions remind us that creation matters, and that the earth itself is worthy of rest and respect. When we honor these rhythms, we become gentle stewards of our shared home, living out God’s desire for restoration and peace for all beings. Our pets and the animals around us are part of this sacred web, helping us see the world through eyes of compassion and gratitude.
Animals and Plants Teach Us
Scripture also invites us to recognize that every animal, every bird, fish, and flower has value and wisdom to share. In Job, we read, “Ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; speak to the earth, and it will teach you… In God’s hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.” Meister Eckhart, a German theologian who died in 1328, once said, “Every creature is a book about God.” Think about that for a moment—every dog, cat, rabbit, or bird can reveal something of the Creator’s heart. In Romans 1:20, Paul writes, “Ever since the creation of the world, God’s eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been seen and understood through the things God has made.” We can see and understand God through the animals that can teach us humility, wonder, and gratitude. Their trust, their joy, their unconditional love—these are sacred lessons about God’s presence and goodness.
Creation Reveals God
God’s presence is not confined to human life alone. Both the Gospel of John and Paul’s letter to the Colossians tell us that God’s spirit has been incarnating through the eternal Christ since the very beginning of creation. As Colossians says, “[The Son] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation… in him all things in heaven and on earth were created—things visible and invisible… all things have been created through him and for him… in him all things hold together.” The Son here is not just referring to Jesus, but to the eternal Christ, the second person of the Trinity. In this verse, we see that creation is not just a backdrop to our lives; it is a living expression of God’s creativity and love. Every creature, every leaf and stream and star, reflects the image and presence of the Divine.
The Sacredness of Our Pets
Because God’s sacred presence is woven through all creatures, we honor and celebrate our special relationships with our companion animals today. The love we share with our pets is a holy connection—a reminder of God’s unconditional love for us. Our pets comfort us in times of sadness, share in our joy, and teach us about loyalty, forgiveness, and joy. Their very existence—unique, beloved, cherished—points us back to the Creator who delights in every living thing. When we bless our pets, we acknowledge that their lives are sacred, their love is a gift, and their presence among us is a living testament to the creativity and care of God.
Conclusion and Blessing
Let us be grateful for the gifts of creation, for the animals who walk beside us, and for the ways they teach us, love us, and reveal God’s spirit every day. May we honor them with kindness, stewardship, and devoted care that sees them for who and what they truly are. Now, I invite you to join me in a prayer: Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the beauty and wonder of all creatures. Bless our animal companions and keep them safe in your care. Help us to cherish the sacred bonds we share, and to honor our role as stewards of your creation. Fill our hearts with compassion, that we may love as you love, and see your presence in all life.
