Franciscan Inclusive Kinship: A Spiritual Practice for a More Meaningful Life
Discover the power of kinship with nature and all living beings
Are you longing for deeper connections — not just with people, but with Earth itself?
Creator, it is You who breathed life into the sun and stars, rivers and mountains, and all creatures, including us. We give You thanks. Open our hearts to the sacred kinship we share with every part of Your creation. Teach us to walk gently upon Sister Earth, listening to Brother Wind’s whispers, honoring Sister Water’s gift, and welcoming all beings as family. Fill us with wonder and awe as our compassion is strengthened. Guide us to live in harmony with all You have made. May it be so.
You might not know this, but St. Francis of Assisi composed The Canticle of the Creatures — also referred to as The Canticle of the Sun — as an offering of poetic praise and a radical vision of inclusive kinship. In it, he sings to Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, Sister Water, Brother Fire, and Sister Mother Earth. Even Sister Death was embraced because … well, the circle of life. He believed it was not to be feared in the hymn of unity.
In essence, what Francis was doing was inviting us to see the natural world as a family of interconnected things, not separate objects. The tree is a part of you, just as your mother and father are. In this process, you learn to recognize the sacredness in every part of creation.
In keeping with the Franciscan spirit, it also reflects the goodness of God and all beings, including humans. Francis used a phrase, “more-than-human” to refer to all beings and elements of creation beyond humans. It includes plants, rivers, mountains, oceans, the sun, and wind — essentially the entire natural world.
They become our extended family. Thus, the reason he referred to them as Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, and Sister Water, and so on. They are not resources meant to be dominated, but relationships that require equal respect and devotion.
This is where the concept of inclusive kinship comes from. It is an invitation to act. As you see each tree, animal, river, and breeze, think of it as your sibling or family member, worthy of love, respect, and protection. It makes me think about how I can live in harmony with these family members, recognizing that we share a common home and a divine bond.
For me, that was where I began my healing with my relationship to Earth and all its creatures — by seeing each other as equal partners. In other words, the trees, rivers, sun, wind, and all parts of the natural world are just as important to God as I am. So, why wouldn’t I treat them with the same respect?
How and why does this canticle matter today?
St. Francis lived nearly 800 years ago, and yet, as I always say, “history repeats itself.” It does seem that more and more people are recognizing the ecological compromises we are in and how we, as humans, are very much a part of that. The Earth is going through deep wounds of deforestation, climate change, pollution, the extinction of species, and the exploitation of natural resources. I don’t need to remind you of that because I’m sure you hear or read about it daily on the news, but it is worth being reminded.
The main reason I bring it up is because, perhaps, like you, I feel the pain of disconnection from nature, one another, and our spirits. I wonder if we’re becoming too individualized and focused on the stress of work that we're forgetting what's really important.
The Canticle invites us to see the world a bit differently, reminding us that we are not masters of the Earth. We are members and co-laborers of a sacred community. Some of you might be shaking your head right now as you are remembering the part in Genesis 1:26 and 2:15 where God instructs Adam and Eve to “have dominion” over all the creatures, but if you look a little deeper, you will learn that the Hebrew word “radah,” which means rule, reign, or have authority, has often been connected to kings of that time.
But, and this is a BIG but … in Genesis 1, the word “dominion” is framed within the image of God, our Imago Dei. You know, the same God who we were created in the image of? Let’s take that one step further. If we were created in God’s image, then aren’t we also to reflect God’s character? Doesn’t that change how you look at Genesis 1:26 and 2:15?
When you think of “dominion” as a mirror to God’s own dominion, then it comes down to these things:
Being just, compassionate, wise, and life-giving
Being a caretaker who nurtures, protects, and serves
Being a partner with creation, not having a license to exploit or destroy it.
In other words, dominion is not domination. Instead, it is responsible stewardship — a shepherding, if you will, with the spirit of love, mercy, and justice.
It is in Genesis 2:15 that this is emphasized when God puts Adam in the Garden of Eden, “to till it and keep it.” If you think about it, creation emanates from God’s love and wisdom that then places us, as humans, within a web of divine relationships to till them and keep them safe.
When was the last time you felt a sense of oneness with nature and the “more-than-humans” of the natural world?
How do you think your choices might shift if you began seeing all of creation as part of your sacred family?
What are some small things you can do to honor and protect Sister Earth?
Practice mindful eating this week: Choose more plant-based or locally sourced foods to minimize waste. As you take each bite, begin with a spirit of gratitude, thanking the Earth for its wonderful provisions.
Offer a blessing for your new family members: When you feel the sun’s warmth, hear the wind, or drink water, pause and give thanks. Here’s an example: Bless you, Brother Sun, or Thank you, Sister Water.
Choose one action of care to nurture Sister Earth: Reduce the amount of plastic you use, conserve your water usage, plant a tree, or support an environmental cause. As you take each step of nurturing, let it be a reflection of your love for Creation.
As you get into a comfortable seated position, close your eyes and take a deep breath — inhale and exhale. Let your shoulders relax.
Imagine Brother Sun warming your face.
Feel Sister Water cooling your skin.
Can you sense Brother Wind’s breath in your lungs?
Ground yourself on Sister Earth beneath you.
Silently greet each one, saying softly, “We are family. We are one.”
Be intentional to match your breath with your words of love.
Pause for a few moments, letting this inclusive kinship fill your spirit.
When you are ready, open your eyes and thank the Creator for this time with your new family.
May Brother Sun always light your path,
May Sister Moon always guide your night,
May Sister Water be a refreshment to your soul,
And may Sister Earth hold you gently in peace.
May you cherish your new family members always.
May you know that you are loved because you matter.
May your soul be refreshed.
sdg