Saint Mark's Episcopal Church: Feed the Wolf

The story is told of the town of Gubbio. The people of Gubbio were proud people, proud of their beautiful city, their way of dress. They were proud to the point of being haughty. They made sure everyone knew who they were wherever they went.

One morning a dreadful discovery was made. The body of an elderly man was found mauled on a street in Gubbio. The townspeople couldn’t believe it. Nothing of this sort had ever happened in Gubbio. One of the villagers witnessed what had happened. She told them that a wolf had come into town and attacked the poor man. This wolf would need to be gotten rid of. If news of this got out to neighboring towns Gubbio’s reputation and economy would suffer. The villagers went in search of the wolf to kill him. Instead many of the hunters were killed by the wolf. Others were attacked and killed by the wolf leaving only bloody bones. If anyone ventured out to work, school or play they could fall prey to the wolf.

A young child suggested that they send for a holy man in the next town who was known to talk to animals. With no other options a committee was sent. After locating this man they explained their plight. He consented to help them.
The man ascended into the hills and waited for the wolf. The wolf snarled and dashed toward the man but he stood steadfastly, unafraid. The wolf slowed, dropped his head in meek countenance and laid at the foot of the man.

The next day the holy man reported to the people. “He is only hungry. If you feed him he will not harm you.” This man was Francis of Assisi.

Each night someone would leave food for the wolf. No more bodies were found mangled and bloody in their town. Eventually, the wolf became a friend to the people allowing the children to play with him.

We are wolves. The wolf represents humankind and its weaknesses. Without the hand of God to feed us we destroy ourselves and others. We must feed daily through the Holy Word of God.

A PRAYER ATTRIBUTED TO ST. FRANCIS
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Scriptures
Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 8
Hebrews 1:14-,2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16
Offertory Hymn: Samantha Nelms performed Fairest Lord Jesus on flute.

Announcements

+ Children's Sunday School is held every Sunday at 9:30 am. This month we are learning about saints. This Sunday Rev. Sara Scott led the children in learning a very special story about St. Francis and a bad wolf that turned out not to be so bad after all. Next Sunday, Rev. Sara Scott and the children will be working on a rap song about all the saints. Come and bring a friend.

+ Vestry meeting October 11th following the service.

**The blessing of the animals will follow the service and all who wish to participate may gather at the altar