A proud grandmother is sitting in a hot, crowded
barn waiting for the animal auction of her grandchildrens’ farm animals. Yes, I
find myself at the annual county fair learning how children “on the farm” are
taught the values of respect and proper care for God’s pigs, lambs and steers.
Grandma Jean explained to this “urban priest” that it starts in the Spring when
mom and dad buy a pig, or lamb or cow for their child. There is this
understanding that the child takes care of this animal meaning, no nonsense,
you get up in the morning and clean the pen, shovel out the manure, rake in
fresh straw, fetch fresh water and feed. Don’t forget that you are going to
show your animal to the judges and show them that you can control your animal.
So that means practice, like every day, you take your animal for a walk and
teach it manners so that it doesn’t buck, kick, pull or run over the judges
during your showmanship competition. By the way, the child does this everyday
even on the days it doesn’t feel like it. After all, the animals’ poop and need
water and food despite our occasional cranky moods. Once the child shows their
animal in the ring and the auctioneer screams out the winning bid. The parents
will take the winnings, deduct the costs of the animal, food and vet bills, and
the remaining amount goes into their child’s savings account. No money is used
for foolish things like a more expensive iPhone. Another good lesson in life.
As the auction begins, I am sitting next to Chris,
the dad who is keeping score. There were over 130 pigs being auctioned, and he is
marking down the winning bids and the company and/or person who made the
highest bid. He is a generous and an exceptional kind employer. He plans to bid
on several pigs and have them packaged and donate the meat to his employees for
their loyalty and hard work.
What makes me humbled is that our parishioners
are present and plan to bid on a steer. The parish committee agreed to donate
the steer meat to Angel Action, a local county social service agency. The
agency will share the meat with several hurting families in need of food.
I am sitting next to Bob, our parishioner, who
has marked his score card with the steer he wants to bid on. The auctioneer
starts rattling off the numbers and as God would have it, Bob holds up his card
and the auctioneer screams $2.75. Holy Family has bought half a cow that weighs
1138 pounds. The parish has just donated $1564.00 to feed the poor! Awesome.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are
grateful for the many comforts you have provided them in their homes and
community. Help us to teach our children respect for all creatures great and
small. Then help us to be aware of those in need in our home, our neighborhood,
or our community and show them your generosity and compassion in their time of
need.
