Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15
Surely Jesus doesn’t mean every creature, does he? Should we go out into the woods and read the Bible to squirrels? Are we meant to deliver sermons to cows, chickens, and pigs?
And yet, there are saints who did just that. St. Francis of Assisi famously preached to birds and admonished a ferocious wolf. St. Anthony of Padua addressed a sermon to a school of fish when the heretical inhabitants of a city ignored him. St. Martin de Porres was known to communicate with animals and heal their wounds.
While most of us are not called to evangelize the animals, Jesus’ command and the saints’ example should remind us to never fail to preach the Gospel just because it seems foolhardy or destined to fall on uncomprehending ears. The Gospel is Good News for every woman, man… and creature.
Lord, give me the courage to proclaim your love to every creature I meet today!
