Taming our Pets and Tongues

 I apologize that I have to start my sermon this way, but it can't go unrebuked. During the Presidential Debate, it was said by a candidate that in Springfield, OH, Haitian refugees are eating peoples' dogs, cats, and pets. This is a perfect example of how a tongue, how words can start a forest fire. There have been bomb threats to schools in that town and other incidents of threats made against the Haitian community, and, as this wild and crazy lie is still being told, innocent people are going to suffer all the more. Whether or not the candidate actually believes this, it is race-baiting and un-Christian in every single way to promote such vitriol and fear-mongering. 

The author of this letter, probably James, shows wisdom in these short verses. It focuses on the what we say and how we say it, can cause great harm. As we have talked about the words and ideas behind the Doctrine of Discovery and Francis Bacon's postulating that the world is simply material and nothing more, Western civilization has become numb to the health and well being of animals that we have caused the extinction, or tried such as the American buffalo, of many species. For centuries, we have prioritized prosperity and material gain over any other concern which has lead us to our global climate crisis. 

The good news is that we are waking up from the nightmare of material existence. The good news is that we are realizing we are part of this world and not just its masters who can do or take whatever we want. The good news is that there are millions of people, if not billions, who are now concerned with the extinction of endangered species, and who are using architecture and landscaping and city planning and wildlife bridges to save and create habitats for animals, birds, amphibians, and insects to thrive. The good news is that pets are now seen as part of the family and wildlife and nature is important. 

It can be much easier to teach our dog to sit than it is to refrain from repeating some gossip going around. It might be easier to teach a cat to sit than it is to get a conservative in our country to acknowledge global climate change. It is hard to refrain from making fun or despising of a presidential candidate and their followers than to love them. When we take up the cross to follow Jesus, love becomes our highest goal, all become our brother and sisters. Every pet, every ant, every tree, every dragon fly (not going to mention black flies or mosquitoes), every plant, every stream, and ecosystem. May we celebrate the love shared with pets this day, our communion with all of nature, and our growing awareness of what it means to be human in this world.