Reflection: A wounded baby bird...

The last few days, there has been a baby bird, a little dove, in my back yard. He is not able to fly. It looks like there is something wrong with his left wing. He hops around, pecking for food on the ground. Today he was drinking water out of a puddle and his mother swooped down next to him, prodding, as though she was trying to make him fly. Then the mother flew to the top of the garage, keeping an eye on her little wounded baby below. Her baby is so vulnerable and she appears to be fretfully watching.

All the birds of the heavens made their nests in its boughs; under its branches all the beasts of the field gave birth to their young, and under its shadow lived all great nations. Ezekiel 31:6

Seeing the mother bird watching over her baby dove, I was thinking about God and how He watches over us all the time. He never abandons us. God is our refuge and shelter. When life become a great challenge, He is waiting to comfort and guide us.

And I say, "O, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; Far away I would flee; I would stay in the desert. I would soon find a shelter from the raging wind and storm.  Psalm 55:7-9 

How can you find shelter in the Lord?

Place yourself in His Presence in silence. Find a quiet place at home or in a chapel or church or go to Eucharistic adoration. Jesus is waiting for you to come to Him. Be still and listen. Share with Jesus your fears, worries, sufferings and all the wounds of your heart. Let Him comfort and love you.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.  Psalm 91:1-2

"O Jesus, Your little bird is happy to be weak and little. What would become of it if it were big? Never would it have the boldness to appear in Your Presence, to fall asleep in front of You." Saint Therese of Lisieux