Daily Meditation: Friday, August 5, 2011

Animals - what their character traits can teach us

08/05/2011

The busyness of the bee and the ant, the piercing gaze of the eagle, the regal demeanour of the lion, the patience of the ox, the strength and memory of the elephant, the loyalty of the dog – the list of qualities that animals have come to symbolize could go on and on. Animals are God’s creatures just as humans are and also have things to teach us, and it is not without reason that some animals have been elevated to the rank of divinities in certain religions. Animals do possess particular characteristics, character traits, which can find an echo in humans, awakening beneficial qualities in them. And Jesus, who said, ‘Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect’ also said, ‘Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.’