SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2008

THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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Dear Friends in Our Lord Jesus:

There is an old story in the mountains of East Tennessee about a wild goose who was shot down by a hunter. It seems that the goose was slightly injured in one wing but managed to land safely in a nearby barnyard.

The goose, according to the legend, was an immediate star among the local chickens and turkeys. He had landed so gracefully, so magnificently, despite his injured wing, that the other birds were fascinated. And they all wanted to know what it was like to fly.

“Flying is wonderful!” the wild goose exclaimed as he began a series of impressive stories about soaring through the clouds. “When you’re way up in the sky, this barn looks as small as an ant!”

The wild goose told story after story about flying. Each tale began with the great strength it took to get off the ground and concluded with the majestic scenery that could be seen while soaring on the winds. Within seconds, all of the chickens and turkeys would close their eyes and picture the images in their minds. And they would all sigh with envy. Soon it became a weekly event for all of the birds to gather and listen to the wild goose. They even provided a small box for the goose to stand on -- so everyone could see him better as he spoke.

Here is how the story ends: “But the strangest thing happened . . . or, maybe we should say it NEVER happened. While the domestic birds very much enjoyed hearing about the glories of flight, they never tried to fly themselves. And the wild goose, even though his wing healed perfectly, continued to talk about flying . . . but never actually flew again.”

This poignant little story reminds us that it is much easier to talk the talk of faith than it is to walk the walk of faith. Far too many people spend their entire lives talking and listening, but never taking action.

If you really want to fly, you must first flap your wings.

-- The Very Rev. Dr. Steve Sellers +