On Eagle’s Wings

                This morning I had my ninth eagle sighting this week – a personal best.  Although it’s possible to spy the occasional eagle back home in New Jersey, up here in the Catskills, with its abundant rivers, ample reservoirs and plenty of trout, your chance of spotting an eagle is much better.  That doesn't mean that it’s easy to find an eagle here.  Eagles like their privacy – they tend to shy away from the waters near busy roadways and populated areas.  So it’s become our custom up here in the Catskills to keep our eyes peeled for eagles.  When we see one, we’re just as thrilled as the first time we caught a glimpse of these magnificent creatures a few years ago.

                There’s something about eagles that captivates us.  Eagles stir up a sense of pride and patriotism here in the United States, and I’m sure in other countries as well.  The eagle is the national bird of 10 countries, and it appears on the coats of arms of 26 countries.  Eagles are noble, serious birds whose steely gaze conveys confidence and determination.  Eagles are survivors – they tough out harsh winters when much of their hunting grounds are buried in ice and snow, and they've made a remarkable comeback from near extinction from DDT poisoning.    

The eagle is also a symbol of strength, courage and farsightedness.  To ancient peoples, the eagle was the king of the skies and a messenger from the gods.  In Judeo-Christian Biblical tradition, the eagle is a sign of God’s steadfast protection:  “As an eagle incites its nestlings, hovering over its young, so he spread his wings, took them, bore them upon his pinions.”[1]  The eagle is also a symbol of hope in God’s promise of better things to come:  “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.”[2]

The novena of eagle sightings inspired much meditation this week.  I thought of the children of friends and family who are off to college for the first time – leaving the nest to soar to new heights.  I thought of the people close to me who are suffering from serious illnesses, turning their eyes to the heavens for strength, courage and comfort.  I thought of my relatives and friends who have died, those who have slipped the surly bonds of earth . . . to touch the face of God.”[3]  These eagles bore a message from God, reminding me that “he will raise us up on eagle’s wings, bear us on the breath of dawn, make us to shine like the sun, and hold us in the palm of his hand.”[4] 

  

Click here to listen to Eagle's Wings.

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[1] Deuteronomy 32:11.

[2] Isaiah 40: 31.

[3] John Gillespie Magee, “High Flight,” 1941.

[4] “On Eagle’s Wings,” music and lyrics by Michael Joncas.