September 25.  You hear people talking of covenant in different ways including in marriage. Bruce more fully understood this concept after attending some scripture lectures. The essence of a covenant is an agreement, initiated by God, of a special relationship between God and his people. There is a sign and a promise. “You will be my people and I will be your God.” It does apply to marriage, which is much more than a legal contract, and in other situations too, as God made a covenant with Adam, with Abraham and Noah and renewed it many times as the people continually broke the terms. “Anton asked, “do animals, especially those who tend to remain with one partner throughout their lives also have a responsibility to God or to nature, to do so? “nice question, but I don’t think so. They are not programmed or haven’t evolved in the same way as human beings.”

”   Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of men and cattle in it.  For I will be to her a wall of fire round about, says the Lord and I will be the glory within her.” “Sing and rejoice O daughter of Zion.”  

Pope Francis:   Mutual self-giving in the sacrament of matrimony is grounded in the grace of baptism which establishes the foundational covenant of every person with Christ in the Church. The couple promise each other total self-giving, faithfulness and openness to new life.  AL 73. The natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility of everyone. LS95.    

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:  Engage with animal conservation, to prevent extinction and loss of biodiversity. Pray in thanksgiving for the gift of reproduction and ongoing creation in all areas of nature.