The European Starling is a small to medium-sized bird without any particularly interesting or inspiring features. It, in fact, is most frequently referred to as the Common Starling. But, when these Common Starlings join together in flocks, numbering in the millions, something magically beautiful transpires. The flocks, known also as murmurations, fly together in tight formation, weaving, gliding, contracting and expanding. Constantly changing arrangements. Continually guided by new leaders. Creating curious shapes against the spring skies of Jutland, Denmark.
A sight only glimpsed by a few. A sight that should be seen by all. A sight that can be enjoyed now:
I fail to tire of watching these murmurations. I’m struck and awed by the beauty, by the grace, by the orchestration of the flock. Watching the murmuration the first time, I immediately imagined the robe of the Lord – whose train fills the temple (Isaiah 6:1) and whose hem brings healing to the suffering (Mark 5:27-30).
As I consider the contrast between a single Common Starling and a collection of commoners joined together, I can’t help but to also reflect on how this mirrors the Church.
Single, solitary Christians have small to medium-sized impact, with only a few interesting or inspiring results. But, when Christians join together as the Church, the body of Christ, numbering in the millions, something magically beautiful transpires. The Church ebbs and flows, changing shape and style. Constantly changing arrangements. Continually guided by new leaders. Creating impact upon the world it serves.
And as the Church moves and works together in tight formation, it fills the temples with glory and praise, and brings healing to the suffering.
The needs in today’s world are as great as the vast Denmark sky. And yet, when we join together as one great Murmuration for Christ, others will be struck and awed by the beauty, by the grace, by the orchestration, and the Leader, of the flock.
