I sat down on a flat rock beside Rydal Water, enjoyed the view of the hills and the feel of the autumn sunshine. Having taken out my sandwiches and water bottle from my rucksack I was soon joined by a gull; it kept looking the other way but really it was watching, knowingly awaiting a share of my lunch. A few moments later two ducks appeared as well, close and obviously familiar with walkers and their peculiar dining habits which involve throwing bread about. These feathered friends misjudged me and no lunch was shared.
Ducks and gulls can read signs and spot chances. In some more populous coastal places, gulls can be quite violent in their pursuit of food from visitors. Signs warn against feeding them and making the problem worse by feeding both habit and bird. A seagull, it appears, can make the connection between chips, children and food. Gulls see walkers and sandwiches and hope for largesse.
In Mark 8 there is an account of Jesus feeding four thousand people; it was a miracle. Shortly afterwards Mark makes the following record: “11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.”
It does seem obtuse of the Pharisees to ask for further signs when a great miracle had occurred. To people who have understood the miracle of the resurrection it seems perverse that in a society like ours most people are disinterested in finding out more about the life transforming benefits of being part of the community of faith.
If a gull can respond to the sight of a picnic box with no guarantee of sharing the contents, why is it so hard for humans understand the message of the body of Christ, broken to feed all who come to him. He never refuses to share when asked.
A Prayer
Lord, may we stop trying too hard and learns to see what is constantly within our grasp; the sign of your cross welcoming us to share in your enrichment. Amen.