Here in the Midwest,

it’s not unusual to spot an eagle

perched on the branch of a tree

along some creek…

      Then, as it flies off,

      to marvel as it glides through the air,

      its wingspan measuring

      nearly eight feet in length.

 

      An eagle can lift four times its weight

      and spot its prey from two miles away.

 

Yes, eagles are amazing creatures.

No wonder the Word of God

references the strength and power

            of the eagle

            to focus our attention

            majesty and splendor of God.

 

Yet, ironically,

the Bible also employs

the image of a weak, defenseless lamb

—pierced in the side

and bleeding on an altar—

to do the same.

 

Which one is accurate?

 

Well, both images

have a role to play:

            God is powerful…like an eagle

            yet God is gentle...like a lamb

 

In my own life,

when things are going well,

and I’m feeling energetic and productive,

I picture God as an eagle

and the image inspires me.

 

       But, when my pride gets wounded

       or when I feel alone or misunderstood,

       I picture God as an injured lamb

       and find solace

       in joining my suffering to His.

 

***

 

What images of God

do you lug in your spiritual backpack

as you journey through life?

 

       For St. Therese, the Little Flower,

       a helpful symbol was that of a rose.

 

       For St. Isidore the Farmer,

       it may have been a hoe, a bushel of corn

       or a team of oxen pulling a plow.

 

       Every image of a saint of God

       is accompanied by a symbol

        of how God was ready-at-hand:

              For St. Joseph, a hammer and workbench.

              For St. Carlo Acutis, a computer keyboard.

              For St. Cecila, a harp.

              For St. Elizabeth, a basket with bread to feed the hungry.

 

              In the lives of these saints,

              the smile on God’s face,

                 the hope in his heart,

              the tear in his eye

              was reflected in these ordinary objects.

 

Well, today, the Church

begins the liturgical season known as

“Ordinary Time.”

 

As we move from Spring to Summer

and family gatherings transition  

from first communions and graduations

to weddings and family reunions,

       ask yourself where,

       in your life,

       ordinary reminders

       of God’s extraordinary grace

       quietly wait to be noticed.

 

            If you work in the fields,

            it might be the rumble of a diesel tractor

            or flakes of rust on the fender

            of a flatbed truck.

 

            If you’re a teacher on summer break,

            it might be found in the extra time

            for a second cup of coffee

            at the beginning of the day.

 

            If you’re retired,

            it might be the sound of a grandchild

            splashing in a plastic swimming pool

            in the backyard.

            

“The Kingdom of God is at hand,”

says the Lord in today’s gospel.

 

Indeed.

Whether you build up His Kingdom

through loving your spouse, 

saying your prayers,

changing tires 

or changing diapers,

the Kingdom of God is near at hand…

       as magnificent as an eagle

       perched in a sycamore…

              as sacred as the Lamb of God

              soon to be present

              on the altar of this church.