- Feb 5, 2002
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(OSV News) As winter moves in I miss the multitude of birds that come to feed. The noisy jays and cooing doves, the flashy goldfinches and woodpeckers, the sweet little house wrens and comical nuthatch have all migrated away to less demanding climates.
The birds that remain are few, and predominantly sparrows. The nature of this little bird is both communal and noisy. Their simple chirrups and cheeping can seem incessant, the chorus often heard late mornings or midday, when they gather in an open shrub to announce their delight; a hymn for being fed and for keeping the flock intact.
We gather in our church in much the same way.
These intrepid little birds do not migrate away from the coming winter, but rather draw closer to one another as the seasonal challenges become apparent. Predominantly seed eaters, they will be drawn to a source of food and open water, and announce their discovery to the flock so that all may share in the blessings of bounty.
In winter, their competitive territorial squabblings of summer gives way to flock survival — something we can see in our society, too. The quarreling among Christians (and we all disagree now and again) gives way to the demands of generosity and prayer in times of crisis or struggle, whether for our own urgent needs or those of others.
Continued below.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
The birds that remain are few, and predominantly sparrows. The nature of this little bird is both communal and noisy. Their simple chirrups and cheeping can seem incessant, the chorus often heard late mornings or midday, when they gather in an open shrub to announce their delight; a hymn for being fed and for keeping the flock intact.
We gather in our church in much the same way.
These intrepid little birds do not migrate away from the coming winter, but rather draw closer to one another as the seasonal challenges become apparent. Predominantly seed eaters, they will be drawn to a source of food and open water, and announce their discovery to the flock so that all may share in the blessings of bounty.
In winter, their competitive territorial squabblings of summer gives way to flock survival — something we can see in our society, too. The quarreling among Christians (and we all disagree now and again) gives way to the demands of generosity and prayer in times of crisis or struggle, whether for our own urgent needs or those of others.
A common bird
Continued below.
Faith lessons from the sparrows in winter
Sparrows were and still are a symbol of confident trust in God’s care. A seemingly insignificant bird used in the Gospels to illustrate God’s love.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
