Reflections - Male Goldfinch
John Miller
05/09/22
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 5/9/22 ____________________________________________________________________ And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” - Mk. 10:23 |
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To my eyes, a male goldfinch is one of God's most beautiful creations. Their bright yellow gold color can make any drab day a delight. We attract them by putting out seed at our feeders, and most any seed will due although sunflower seed seems to be their favorite. Unlike most other birds, goldfinches feed almost exclusively on seed, eschewing any insects in their diet. I think part of their popularity is attributed to their color. Gold attracts. In fact, the pursuit of gold has been a common denominator in all cultures at all times. The accumulation of wealth is a driving force in all too many people. The sad thing is that we never seem to be satisfied no matter how much wealth we amass. Wealth feeds our egos, fosters our pride, and defines (falsely) our worth. Jesus had much to say about wealth. Wealth used to help those in need is a good thing, but wealth used to inflate our view of ourselves is a bad thing. Wealth is a useful servant, but can be a destructive master. Satisfaction with what we have is, I think, the secret. And it is a secret I have not as yet mastered. What helps me is to retreat into nature. It is there that I feel surrounded by wealth that I did not earn, but is a gift I can readily receive. This goldfinch which posed for me on a nearby branch made me feel rich. We are surrounded by riches in the natural world that are gifts given to us by God. To appreciate this kind of wealth is wisdom. To rely on any wealth you think you have earned is folly. It will be very hard for those whose god is wealth to enter the kingdom of God. In fact, it may very well be impossible. - John
