I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine. Psalm 50:11
“The halcyon is a sea bird. It is accustomed to build its nest along the very shores, depositing its eggs in the sand itself; and it builds its nest almost in the middle of winter, a time when the sea is being dashed against the land by many violent windstorms.
Nevertheless, all the winds are calmed and the waves of the sea become quiet for seven days when the halcyon is sitting upon her eggs. In exactly that number of days it hatches its young. But, since there is need of food for the nestlings so that they may grow, the bountiful God provides for the tiny creatures seven more days. As all the sailors know this, they call the halcyon days.
These laws divine Providence has ordained concerning the irrational creature to encourage you to ask God from what pertains to your salvation. What wonders would not be performed for you, who have been made according to the image of God, when, indeed, for the sake of a bird so small the great and fearful sea is held in check, submitting to the command to be calm in the midst of winter?”
Basil of Caesarea (330-379) in Homily 8 on “Creation of Winged Creatures and Those Living in the Waters” in Exegetic Homilies, The Fathers of the Church, Volume 46 (CUAP, 2010) 127.
Today Basil points us to another bird, the halcyon, to remind us of God’s care.
This sea bird has it young in the dead of winter and yet our bountiful God cares for it. Fascinating that in the fourth century all sailors on the Mediterranean knew of this bird and how God helped it birth its young in winter! Our bountiful God stilled the seas for two weeks so that it could nurture its young.
This reminds us that creation shouts of God’s Providence and rich generosity toward us.
Is there something in creation where you live that reminds you of God’s faithful care. Perhaps it has turned to Summer and the flowers are blooming? Or it is now the rainy season so God is watering the land? Maybe where you live it has turned to harvest time and you are enjoying and sharing the fruit of the land?
Look for something in creation that reminds you of God’s care and give thanks today.
On this Lord’s day, celebrate the reminder of God’s faithful care. Ask Him for whatever you need that pertains to your salvation. He will supply it. Also ask if you should increase your generosity. To make a gift to GTP, click here. We are still praying for 21 new givers by 30 June 2022 to secure a major grant. A gift of any size counts.