PAYING ATTENTION: PELICAN RESCUE

Life at St. Gregory’s is always extremely dynamic and never dull! Last week, while we were all busily going about our tasks (just like Martha in our Scripture reading from this past Sunday;(Luke 10:38-42) we spotted this beautiful brown pelican sitting in front of the 260-house garage. Though without any obvious injuries, he clearly was not well and looking rather woebegone. Michael Koppenal immediately started a round of calls to various rescue agencies while Anita and Hannah Sherman kept an eye on our guest. By the end of the day, he had disappeared and, as our efforts to locate him were fruitless, we finally concluded that he must have flown off to the ocean and we were much relieved.

The next day, however, we spied him sitting atop Steve Demerouille’s truck. A wobbly flight across the street was quickly followed by an equally wobbly return, this time to the porch of the 298 house. Some flagging down of traffic by Anita and Michael was necessary to keep him safe. Michael returned to the phone calls; Andrew and Susamma brought some sardines (he eventually ate these), and Anita pondered whether or not to bring over our big dog crate to corral him. Finally, after what seemed like an endless round of calls, Michael spoke with a rescue volunteer who offered to come and pick up our guest. When the volunteer arrived, we were amazed at how quickly and gently he was able to scoop up our feathered friend, turning him into a “birdie burrito” for safe travel to the wildlife center. (Please see the video at the top of this story.)

Despite all our efforts, though, a few days later the wildlife center informed us that he had passed away in his sleep. Naturally, we wondered if we truly had made any difference at all. In caring for him for a short time and helping him find his way to skilled and loving caregivers, we can only hope that we did what we were called by God to do in those moments.

This incident recalls to us Jesus’ gentle admonition to Martha about paying attention and setting priorities (Luke 10:38-42). God enters our busy days, often in surprising ways, and we are given the opportunity to pause, pay attention, and maybe even help. No worldly guarantees — just opportunities to love and serve as best we can. Thanks be to God.

A final note…

Did you know that the pelican is a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice? It is based on the mistaken belief that the pelican pierces its own breast and feeds its young with its blood. The pelican is mentioned in the works of Dante and Thomas Aquinas as well as depicted in various religious art forms.

Blessings,

-Anita Sherman