When one reads through the ‘Canticle of Creatures’ it is easy to stay at the surface level of the text and simply focus on nature and its elements, the importance of healthy ecology, and finding God in all things. These messages are powerful, true, and important. However, as I prepared to give this little Ferverino, it struck me that, in my opinion, our Seraphic Father Saint Francis intended us to take the meaning a step further – “Am I living the dignity of my creation?”

Too often we use the phrase, “well, I’m only human,” as an excuse for our shortcomings, faults, and sins – but that is selling God’s intended purpose for humanity short! In Genesis, we read that we are made in God’s image – not literally in appearance, but rather that we should be Good, Full of Integrity, Noble in Judgement, Obedient to the Lord, with Dominion over Creation. We all know how the story goes – Our ‘First Parents’ turned away from God in selfishness and rebellion, bringing sin and destruction into the world. The Canticle of the Creatures is Saint Francis’ way of calling humanity to account.

In each verse, he highlights how beautiful and perfect creation is when we fulfill our divine role – Brother Sun to bring the day and give light; Sister Moon and the Stars to be clear and precious; Brother Wind to bring lifegiving weather; Sister Water who is very useful for many things and pure – etc. In all these things, God is praised for His perfect plan for Creation. In the last four verses, Francis turns his attention to humanity – God is praised when we set aside grievances and give love; when we bear hardships patiently; when we serve the Lord in great humility; and having achieved all this, die in a state of grace. To live the dignity of humanity is to strive for holiness, to be holy, for then God is truly praised.