What do ancient psalmists, Jesus, Mary Oliver, Wendell Berry and David Whyte have in common? They share many things, I suppose, since they all spoke lyrically and poetically. But go deeper, and you will find that all noticed our feathered, winged friends, the birds, living and proclaiming things that are deeply true. When in your own spiritual and centered life have you found your peace and your hope by the witness of birds?
Every morning, I take our dog, Mabel, on a long walk. I made a decision some months ago to forego listening to music, podcasts and Ted Talks on my phone during these excursions, and instead, pay attention to the pup and the world around us. Occasionally, as we walk, Mabel will stop and look at me, or fix her gaze on something else. Rather than interpret this as obstinance, I try to be curious about what she is communicating. This morning, she noticed the sound of early morning songbirds. She looked at me, then lifted her head, and listened to the music for a couple of minutes. We both did. She is also fascinated with crows, the sound and the sight of them, and at every opportunity, takes in their movement and their calls with great curiosity. Something different happens when geese fly over. She stops and lifts her head, staring almost reverently at them in flight. In those moments, it seems an ancient knowing in her is enacted. In all of this, Mabel is helping me learn that as intriguing as a podcast can be, there are sights and sounds that are better.
This is something that Jesus knew. Matthew 6: 26,27 reads, “Look at the birds of the air; They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” In Psalm 84 we read, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallows find a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars!” The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard said that these words move beyond poetry, where we only admire these actions, and become instead gospel proclamations. We are called to be like the birds of the air as we become faithful disciples.
This understanding is a steep climb for those who live in an anxious and sometimes dangerous world. How can we rely on them to help carry us? This is the theme of the sermon Sunday at St. Mark’s UMC, which is titled, “Feathered Evangelists: With Thanks to Sparrows”. The sermon arises from Psalm 84, which will be read by Tory Puntarelli, and Matthew 6: 25-33, which will be read by Mary Wheeler. The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerald Sousa and accompanied by Lois Leong, will lead us musically. We will sing, have a moment for children, and pray. We will also celebrate Holy Communion.
If this is your first time at St. Mark’s, or you will be joining us online, we look forward to connecting with you. Service begins in the sanctuary at 10:30. To join online, visit www.smumc.church, and click on the Livestream banner.