by Fr. Dennis Lynch
One of the blessings of warmer weather, besides getting outdoors and breathing fresh air, are the sounds and sights of birds. I am not a bird watcher commonly called a “birder” or an ornithologist- but I can name quite a number of them: robin, wren, cardinal, pigeon, mourning dove, duck, goose, eagle, hummingbird, crow.
My appreciation of birds was piqued when I came across a book called “What It’s Like To Be A Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating and Singing – What Birds Are Doing and Why”, by David Allen Sibley. It is a fantastic book with illustrations and more information than I will ever be able to retain- e.g., an artic tern can travel 60,000 miles in a year flying from the Artic to Antarctica and back again. The trove of avian information reminded me of the wonder of God’s winged creation. Thinking of birds also brought to mind the wonder of what it would be like to actually fly. I have often had dreams in which I was able to fly and can remember the exhilaration and joy of the experience. Throughout human history, cultures have told stories about the desire to be free of Earth’s gravitational hold. Indeed, the success of the Wright brothers was the hopeful correction of the failure of Icarus’ fatal flight. From the very beginning then, Sacred Scriptures are filled with avian wonder.
“God created every winged bird according to its kind, and God saw that it was good” (Gen.1:21).
Think about the raven and dove in the story of Noah. How often have we sung the hymn, “On Eagle’s Wings” and been comforted with the assurance that God gave to Moses, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you up on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself.” (Cf. Ex. 19:4 & Deut. 32:11) The image of the Phoenix rising from the ashes is expressed in Psalm 103:1-5, “Bless the Lord who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s”. (Also Cf. Is.40:31) Even the woman in flight “was given the two wings of the great eagle that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness to the place where she is to be nourished for a time”. (Rev.12:14). Also, remember the rooster in Peter’s denial of Jesus as well as the winged image of the Holy Spirit.
The birds of the Sacred Scripture are symbols of God’s care, strength and saving presence. They are especially reminders not to be anxious about life – (Cf. Matt. 6:25-30).
So, when you are outside and hear and see the birds, give thanks to the Creator God, who has given us such avian wonder as well as feathered assurances.