In “The Canticle of the Sun,” Francis consistently uses the Italian preposition per, by which he is saying that God is praised through (not for) the very existence of the sun, moon, stars, wind, air, weather, water, fire and earth.

This is significant and telling.  Their very existence gives glory whether any human ever sees them, honors them, or recognizes them as good.

Do you ever think that you are probably the only human eye that will focus on this particular marigold or squirrel and say “thank you!”?  Think of all the wildflowers and trees and animals in mountains and forest that gorgeously live and die, and no human eye needs to see them, need them, use them, or praise them.  They are already an act of praise by their naked and pure existence.

Adapted from In the Footsteps of Francis webcast
Starter Prayer:
Be praised, my Lord,
through all your creatures.

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