|
My Lord God, my thanks for making me an animal so
tame, peaceful, humble, and hardworking to serve
my brothers - men and women - in their needs and
their difficulties. I do not understand why, since
they are created in your image and likeness, they
have not those eyes of tenderness, of goodwill,
of understanding, that would see us as we really
are, and not as they would wish that we were, as
their caprices, follies or bad temper takes them.
|
| |
|
Humbly I recognise that, like my rational brothers,
I have my defects and qualities, my weaknesses as
well as my desire to give them greater and better
service. But like them I have my sensibilities, my
hours of anguish and despair; I also need love,
affection, care and patience.
|
| |
|
The pity is, Lord, that not understanding the limits
of my strength, they put such heavy burdens on my
back, beyond my energy and powers. May they remember,
Lord, that on this back so beaten, bruised and wounded
You set the Mother of Your Son, She who left there the
Cross, the mark of her tears, and rode upon me so
delicately and meekly.
|
| |
|
How many times have I not helped man to carry his
load, without his feeling my hunger, my thirst, or
giving me a little time to recover from my
weariness and restore my lost energies.
|
| |
|
I beg, my Lord and Creator, for me and for Man, my
brother, that I may be more patient and resigned to
bearing his temperament and impatience, and he more
compassionate and humane, so that I might serve him
with more skill and speed.
|
| |
|
I am very happy to be an irrational animal, because
as I am I know how to love You without demands and
complaints, and how to be useful to my brothers - Man -
without expecting reward and payment.
|
| |
|
Lord, in me bless all my irrational brothers so that
we may live the happiness and beauty of this world that
You created for us.
|
| |
|
Amen.
|
| |
|