There are many testimonies of the return of human souls to earth, as well as of the ‘souls’ of animals (dogs) who are heard by their owners after death. It is said that the human soul is rational and therefore worthy of divine respect, while the animal soul is instinctive, psychic and therefore lacking in respect, and this is why animals are so dear to us because of the difference that exists and is only shared with them. It is certain that all creatures have the same fate, both A and B series, if we humans are mostly sinners and we have the privilege of hoping for a second life, why should they not have the same treatment as those who sacrifice themselves for us and love us unconditionally?
November was a busy month for me for various reasons, but it was also a month of reflection, perhaps because it is the month of the dead. My thoughts went to our deceased animal friends: will they also have a place in heaven? Will they also have a place in God’s plan? We humans have the power in life to decide which direction to take, whether towards good or evil, whether we will gain Paradise or Hell: we are the arbiters of ourselves! Animals cannot choose, they cannot think, they cannot distinguish between good and bad, they are pure creatures. Let’s take a step back! In ancient religions they were held in high esteem because they lived side by side with humans as workmates in the fields, as company, in other cases man avoided them because they were dangerous and bad. These parallels make us understand that there has always been a relationship between man, animals and Creation. As St Francis told us, it is only by loving Creation and its creatures that we show our love for God. In the Bible, animals and their symbolic meaning are often mentioned, such as the famous Noah’s Ark where pairs of animals were saved from the Great Flood by God; even Jesus in his speeches took animals as examples with the greatest respect for them. Some religions worshipped them in temples and had an unashamed cult for them. It was considered an inedible and impure animal that fed on carrion, lived in packs and was wild. It was later revalued by taming it and using it for hunting, for companionship and for work. Its loyalty and courage were appreciated, and the mass during which dogs are blessed was reserved for Saint Umberto. Our friends were important in the Christian religion, John Paul II said that animals (dogs) have a God-given breath of life, alluding to the soul. But then do animals (dogs) also have souls? We are taught that all creatures on earth, human beings only the excellent ones, will go to heaven and that as living beings they cease to exist by becoming dust. Animals do not have a soul, they say, but if they are living beings that are born, grow and reproduce, why should they not go before God like human beings? It also says in the Bible that the divine laws provided that animals should be assured rest, food and protection, that they should not be killed for pleasure but only for survival. So if there was so much consideration for them we would like to think that God in His immense Thought took these creatures into account. But I dare to hope that He has reserved in His plans a place in Paradise or some other wonderful area dedicated exclusively to them where we might one day embrace them again and be reunited. We certainly cannot know what goes on in His mind and I trust in His infinite mercy. What would be the point of living Creation if there is no future for them and not even the hope of continuing to exist as the essence of the afterlife? Man, being a mammal himself, must not be arrogant and conceited towards the other creatures that populate the earth in greater numbers and has no right to judge and be the only one to enjoy divine graces. All living beings are blessed and loved equally and continue to think that our souls and their souls do not die with the body, if it is an immaterial entity that separates itself from the body, that reproduces what we were in life and allows us to live again then all and I say all will go before the Most High in equal measure and privilege!!! Free to think as you wish!!!!!!
