Seeds of the Earth
Birds of the Air

Today, the feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, is significant for all Jesuits – brothers and priests who belong to the Society of Jesus. Founded by Ignatius, the order was recognized by Rome in 1540. As in today’s gospel reading, God planted a small seed in Ignatius’s heart. Almost 5 centuries later, that seed has blossomed into a “tree” of solace for many. Jesuits, men who live, work, play and pray with us “ordinary” folk. They too “ordinary” men who have dedicated their lives to God, being in service to people of all races, creeds and cultures is their order’s vocation. Men, women, old and young have been attracted to their charism of “Cura Personalis”, care for the whole person.  The Jesuits are committed to providing safe haven for all.

“I will open my mouth in parables”… Throughout the gospels we hear Jesus speaking to ordinary folk in parables.  Stories that attract the attention of his followers and on-lookers.  Jesus’s parables are about ordinary events in ordinary lives.  Listeners can identify with these stories which contain a lesson, teaching, and offer new insight into their personal lives and relationships with God. The parables have to with planting, harvesting, hospitality and meals. They have to do with conflict, death, illness, friendship and family. With all things ordinary and all types of relationships- person to person, person to nature, God to nature, God to mankind.  The Spirit dwelling within all things ordinary.

My ordinary place of prayer offers a view of our garden and a glimpse into the ordinary lives of  many birds who frequent our birdfeeders and birdbaths. We have ordinary birds: robins, cardinals, woodpeckers, wrens, finch, nuthatch, chickadee and others. A special treat is the presences of a Goldfinch! Each offers its own identifiable color, song and call. They eat in community, bath in the communal bath, perch and swing on the same overhead electric wires. This is not to say they are without ongoing squabbling, sparing and engaging in romantic overtures. Each variety has its own dwelling preference.  Robins build nests in fairly obvious places of bits and pieces – grass clippings, strands of hair form recent children’s haircuts, dryer lint – whatever they can find.  Cardinals often build nests hidden in dense conifers.  Cardinals are especially attentive to their young – feeding and protectively hopping along behind them.  Robins also protective and don’t think twice about dive bombing any bird or mammal who dares to venture to close to their nest. A parent robin will sit alert, ever vigilant while incubating their eggs. To watch a robin hunt a worm is fascinating.  She hops along the ground, cocking his/her head from one side to the other “listening” for a worm inching along just under the surface. In a flash – in goes the beak and the struggle to the death ensues!  After several mighty pulls a big, fat, juicy worm may appear and off the robin goes to feed their young!  Often a robin will nurture another bird’s egg.  Cowbirds often lay an egg in another’s nest. Is this an act of neglect or trust on the part of the cowbird?

This ordinary backyard world of the bird is beautiful to behold and offers much material for meditation and prayer. Birds live completely as they were created – they can not be otherwise.  We, on the other hand, can direct our actions as we please.  I often miss, overlook or deny the out-stretched hand of God. The Spirit is ever vigilant, ever the source of consolation, a loving and merciful presence.  Watching the birds reminds me, calls me back to vigilance – attentive, watchful, listening for the Spirit dwelling within me. The source of extraordinary protection, love and mercy in my very ordinary life.

Thanks be to God!