Magnificent creatures, they soar higher and higher, into the Sun: unlike Icarus, their wings won’t melt. Ben Franklin liked turkeys better; for eagles symbolized centuries of Roman oppression. A two-headed eagle has been seen on central European banners and shields, invoking determination and endurance. PEANUTS reminds us to “walk softly and carry a (b)eagle”. We’re told that parent eagles shove their offspring from the nest, when it’s time; and fly beneath them with wings outstretched until the fledglings successfully fly.
The weekends cause us to rise to new horizons of hope and trust. The Old Testament reading leans on Isaiah of Babylon, who writes to his mourning exiles, “the Creator of the ends of the earth….does not faint or grow weary;…He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless….but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” (40:28-31) This is about us, about God, and about how God takes care of us when we’re in free-fall.
Once in a while, the lectionary selections just don’t seem to fit together; and this is one of those times. I Corinthians 9:16-23 is a passage from Paul encouraging diversity and a wideness of spiritual expression. New horizons, maybe? But I can’t find a feather of eagle-ness here, how about you?
Being healed by Christ can qualify, though, since we’re speaking about Providential rescue from un-wholeness. The Gospel is Mark’s sequel to last week’s story about healing the demon-possessed man in the synagogue. Here, he heals Simon’s mother of a fever; and later, the “whole city was gathered around the door.” (1:29-34) Jesus cured many, and cast out many demons. These may well have remembered Isaiah’s words.
More than twenty years ago, my father was dying of cancer. I was fearfully preparing to re-enter pastoral ministry after a three-year mid-life crisis. Writing out my angst, this appeared —
When brittle bones have loosed connecting strings
Which bind them one to one in structure fair
My earthbound soul is born on eagle wings.
Most human flesh against its aging flings
Contempt of grinding fate in reckless dare
When brittle bones have loosed connecting strings.
Through growing children, seed, whose laughter rings
Across the days which now become their share
My earthbound soul is born on eagle wings.
An impotence of feeble body stings
My transient hope of missing death’s grim snare
When brittle bones have loosed connecting strings.
That holy trust to which my vision clings
Is freshened only when by heightened prayer
My earthbound soul is born on eagle wings.
Still quavers my small voice which gamely sings
To woo the wintry warrior from his lair —
When brittle bones have loosed connecting strings
My earthbound soul is born on eagle wings.
God Bless Us, Every One Horace Brown King
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H B What an incredible blog this one is! Since you have chosen one of my favorite scriptures regarding those wonderful Eagles, I was moved deeply by your poem. Thank you for the sharing of yourself in this one.