Birds Also Eat in the Rain
A flock of beautiful birds always alight on our deck to feed on the expensive seeds we put there every day. They come mostly at specific hours and wait on the branches of trees nearby until they see their food already there. The birds have been coming all summer, fall, spring, and even in the cold of winter.
This morning was a rainy day. The rain wet our deck where we had spread bird seeds the night before. But the birds were there, picking up with their beaks seeds partly submerged in water. A couple of squirrels, with their wet furs, were also there competing with the birds for the food.
Even during the pandemic we also need to eat despite lockdown and quarantine restrictions and we go to the grocery store, crowded at times, to pick up food to sustain our bodies.
Even during the pandemic, we also need to feed our souls. Even, more importantly, our souls, during this pandemic. But some powerful men do not agree and impose discriminatory restrictions.
The birds have something important to teach us, humans. The rain and the snow do not deter them from taking food that is made available to them by Divine Providence.
"Behold the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap, but our heavenly Father feeds them. How much more you, O men of little faith!" (Mt. 6:26)
When the initial scare of the pandemic ended and churches were allowed to progressively open, people started coming back but not a lot. Sadly, a Catholic pregnant woman carrying her baby who just wanted to get fed with spiritual nourishment, the Mass and Holy Communion, was cruelly told by the pastor to leave and called the police who threatened to put her in handcuffs and arrest her for trespassing.
Rain, snow, or sunshine, there will always be bird seeds on my deck. I am sure the birds will continue to come and feed.
But when the pandemic ends, hopefully soon, will those who previously came to worship and feed on the Body and Blood of the Lord come back? Or will they just keep watching from a distance, or not even watch at all?
We are more than birds of the air! #
"Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
