Sparrows

When Jesus went outside, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile toward him and to cross-examine him about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say. Meanwhile, when the crowd gathered by the thousands, so that they trampled on one another, he began to speak first to his disciples, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops. “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 11:53—12:12

During the cooler months we have bird feeders we continually fill. We are not avid birders but love watching the birds in our back yard. We love watching them hope around, jostling for a place on the feeder. We also have a good deal of squirrels, who infuriate my husband, as they try to hop onto the feeders and knock down all the seeds. He often runs out and yells at them. He has also been given several squirrel proof feeders. He is very protective of our birds. And, if we humans can feel that way about small house sparrows and the occasional wren, how much more does God care for us, each and every one?

Eternal Creator you love us completely

you watch as we scrabble for our food

you provide us with every good thing

yet we are rarely grateful for your blessings.

You invite us to be humble and forgive

to live with the trust of the birds and fish

making our everyday a dance of joy

singing even as the sun is setting.

Help us to live knowing we are loved

let us act like treasured children

sharing all that we have with others

and giving you the glory every day. Amen.