Scripture:
Philippians 3:3-8a
Luke 15:1-10
Reflection:
This man welcomes sinners and eats with them. -Luke 15:2
I like to get up around sunrise. I am close to the Western Lake Michigan shore and the colors are often spell-binding. Then there are the birds. Like little children they come chirping on the power lines just outside my dining room window, calling for the crumbs I share daily with them. The sparrows and the starlings are like little children, eating away and totally in “the flow”. Also, to the chagrin of some of my neighbors, there are the pigeons who have no trouble landing on the power lines and perching on my windowsill as well to feast on these crumbs. Occasionally one of the pigeons will look me straight in the eye as if to say: “Thanks!” or “What are you doing there?” or “Do you have any more?” I’m not sure. I’m trying to learn their language.
I first heard of pigeons in my college years. One of my coworkers on an after-school job complained that the pigeons had messed up the booth she had worked in and caused her lots of trouble. “Pigeons are dirty birds, they cause disease!” so I’m told. Signs in some of the lawns of the larger buildings around my home, post cute little warnings: “Don’t feed the pigeons!”
My prayer often is a reminder of Jesus’ invitation to “Come, follow me!” Today’s Gospel selection suggests that Jesus loved and respected everyone, so much so that he welcomed sinners into his friendship and even shared meals with them. God, thank you for all the gifts you give me today and help me be like your son, Jesus. Help me learn from him and welcome everyone, even the “dirty” pigeons, into my life.
Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists. He lives in Chicago.