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Buenas tardes hermanas y hermanos;

For the first time in 19 days, the temperature has risen above zero Celsius. It is a balmy 4 degrees Celsius, and the sun is shining brightly. The promise of Spring lies buried deep beneath the snow drifts, slowly but surely making its way to the surface. 

At Dunblane Farm we love to feed the birds. It brings me such joy. It has been especially rewarding to feed our fine feathered friends during this horrid cold spell. They sit in the brambles at dawn, quietly waiting for me to open up the door. There must be at least one hundred and fifty of them. Blue Jays, Cardinals, Sparrows, Chickadees, Junkos , Starlings.

And rather than fill the feeder, I scatter a massive quantity of wild bird seed in a circle and watch as the birds join in a communal feast. There is no fighting, no bullying, no shenanigans. There is simply a genuine feeling of community. 

On Sunday after church, when it was especially cold, I was sitting looking through the glass sliding door as the birds were feeding. At one point there must have been at least one hundred birdies enjoying their mid-day snack. The sound they made was orchestral, celestial. One of the happiest sounds that I know. 

As I was getting ready to get up from my chair, I noticed a little sparrow looking in my direction. It suddenly hopped hopped hopped to the chain link fence, hopped through one of the holes on the fence, and it flew onto the deck and landed not a foot where I was sitting. We stared at each other for what seemed to be a minute. Then as quickly as he had approached, he flew back over to the sacred circle and continued feeding. Without saying anything, that little sparrow, one of God's precious creatures, had said " I was hungry and you gave me something to eat." 

May you have a peaceful day and may we remember that we are stewards of creation, not owners. All animals matter, and none should be made to suffer. None. 

Let us pray.

Benevolent Creator, our little reflection group gives you thanks and praise for the beauty and wonder that our winged sisters and brothers bring into this world. Please protect them, keep them from harm's way, and let their beauty and fragility teach us greater mercy for all your creatures great and small. 

Amen 

Que Diosito me los bendiga 

Paz 

I love you 

John