A prayer from Saint Basil, the bishop of Caesarea, circa 375 A.D.:
Oh, God, enlarge within us the sense of fellowship with all living things, our brothers the animals to whom Thou gavest the earth in common with us. We remember with shame that in the past we have exercised the high dominion of man with ruthless cruelty so that the voice of the earth, which should have gone up to thee in song, has been a groan of travail.
A writing from Saint Isaac the Syrian, from the seventh century:
What is a charitable heart? It is a heart which is burning with love for the whole creation, for men, for the birds, for the beasts… for all creatures. He who has such a heart cannot see or call to mind a creature without his eyes being filled with tears by reason of the immense compassion which seizes his heart; a heart which is softened and can no longer bear to see or learn from others of any suffering, even the smallest pain being inflicted upon a creature. That is why such a man never ceases to pray for the animals… moved by the infinite pity which reigns in the hearts of those who are becoming united with God.
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Breakfast: Smoothie with frozen mango, honey, a scoop of peanut butter, and almond milk – it tasted like ice cream!
Lunch: Two small wraps with spinach, avocado, bell pepper, green onion, and Tofutti cream cheese
Dinner: A salad and a large loaded baked potato with Earth Balance buttery spread, Tofutti sour cream, bacon flavored bits, and fresh chives from the balcony
