In "Animal blessings? Just another dog and phony show" (Tribune, Oct. 19), Robert Kirby missed the point of the blessing of the animals. The services held with our pets involve no ordinances or sacraments.
There's nothing phony about the blessings given or the prayers offered. Blessings of the animals are seriously delightful occasions in which we acknowledge the rich blessings that our pets bring into our lives.
Once a year, we ask God to bless the relationships we have with all animals and ask for forgiveness for the ways we wound the creation we share. We are reminded that we are not the only creatures that God loves, and that we have learned much from our furry, feathered and scaly friends.
Our relationships with our pets are often the purest example of unconditional love in our lives, which we may or may not deserve. And that's a real-life lesson in God's love for each of us.
I invite Kirby to join us in 2013 at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection as we gather for the blessing of the animals. I will offer you God's blessing as well!
Rev. Lyn Zill Briggs Episcopal Church of the Resurrection
Centerville