Sometimes we’re asked if our farm animals, that is, the chickens, sheep and donkey, get along. The answer is a resounding “Yes,” for which we are grateful. In fact we have seen animal-versions of friendship being established among the animals, and at times amusing to behold.
For example, Matty the donkey is always open to giving one of our hens a lift on her back. Shadow the young lamb and Gloria the ewe appear to be allies of Matty as well.
It calls to mind the Prophet Isaiah
foretelling God’s people that a return to Paradise is possible under God’s watchful care for all things, great and small.
May the animal interaction we observe in our farmyard be foder for reflection on how we might be better neighbors to one another, as Jesus encouraged, especially in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Our barn, available 24/7 to our sheep and donkey, and inhabited by an occasional hen as well, is named “Good Shepherd Inn,” reminding us monks that there is one Shepherd and we are all the sheep of His flock.
With continued prayers, and especially at this time for our friends, including the Benedictine monks of our Subiaco Cassinese Congregation in Haiti.
Abbot Christian and the monks
