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Diocesan Meditations

May 27: The Journey of the Egret

5/27/2020

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By the Venerable Calhoun Walpole,
Archdeacon of the Diocese of South Carolina


Listen to an audio version of this meditation at this link.
 
As you know, cattle egrets are long-legged birds that live in wetland regions. Their name derives from the fact that they like to ride on the backs of cows—eating insects attracted to these animals. In the absence of large animals, they appear, seemingly out of nowhere, wherever the soil is tossed and tilled.

While they are a part of our landscape here in South Carolina, the cattle egret is not indigenous to North or South America; it is actually native to the Iberian Peninsula and Africa. Apparently, the first recorded sighting of these egrets in the New World was in South America in the late nineteenth century.

The cattle egret seems to be the only animal known to have made the journey across the Atlantic Ocean without the aid of humans. It is commonly thought that these birds were carried across the ocean by gentle trade winds, or maybe even a hurricane or two.

We know hurricanes that reach our shores usually begin as little waves off the coast of West Africa. The wind blows and the heated sea churns, and before we know it, a powerful storm is born.

The wind can bring about change and propel God’s creatures to embark upon a journey—or perhaps recognize that a journey is already underway. It was pilgrims to Jerusalem upon whom the wind blew—the Pentecost wind, the very Spirit of God, moving the people of God—as a Body, the Church.

The Spirit breathes upon us and through us, moving us forward, into a God-breathed future, and open to new paths cut across freshly-plowed fields—soil-stirred—in preparation for planting and a harvest.

Egrets from across the wide ocean now make their home among us. It wasn’t just one lonesome, lost egret that made its way from the Old World to the New; it was a group, a collective gathering—a flock. Storm-tossed, yet finding one another in a new land—a strange land—once the dust settled.

So it is with Christ’s Church. Out of many peoples, languages, nations, regions—we become one in Christ—our diversity being our strength.

How is the Holy Spirit moving in your own life to bring:

  • Comfort, or discomfort?
  • Peace, while disturbing your peace?
  • Strength, amidst weakness?
  • Healing, through hurt?
Trust the wind of the Spirit moving within you, especially during the strange times of life.
 
Yours faithfully,
Callie

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    Meditations

    During the uncertain times created by the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, leadership of the diocese will send out regular meditations on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays for the next while as we all adjust to a new chapter of living and being the Church.

    ​The Archdeacon, The Venerable Calhoun Walpole, will share a meditation each Wednesday; The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Jr., Visiting Bishop for our Diocese, will offer a meditation each Saturday; and the Rev. Cn. Caleb Lee, President of the Standing Committee, will share a reflection each Monday.

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our History
    • Our Vision
    • Find a Church
    • Deaneries
    • The Bishop >
      • Messages from Bishop Woodliff-Stanley
    • Clergy & Staff >
      • Clergy in Good Standing
      • Clergy and Transition Ministries
    • Governance >
      • Constitution & Canons
      • Convention
      • Boards and Committees >
        • Standing Committee
        • Diocesan Council
        • Trustees of the Diocese
        • Deputies to General Convention
        • Commission on Ministry
        • Liturgical Commission
        • Visioning Committee
        • University of the South Trustees
        • Other Boards and Committees
    • Historical Timeline
    • FAQ
  • Ministry
    • Prayer Calendar
    • Diocesan Meditations
    • Outreach
    • Grants for Congregations
    • Administrative Resources
    • Clergy Resources
    • Liturgy & Worship >
      • Liturgical Commission >
        • Bishop Guerry
      • Marriage
      • The Lectionary
      • The Book of Common Prayer
      • Brother, Give Us A Word (SSJE)
      • Daily Prayer: Forward Movement
    • Education & Formation >
      • Adults
      • College Ministry
      • Youth
      • Children
    • Church Connections >
      • The Episcopal Church >
        • Province IV
      • The Anglican Communion
      • Anglicans Online >
        • The Society of Archbishop Justus
      • Daughters of the King
      • Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
      • Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross
      • Order of St. Helena
    • Ecumenical & Interfaith >
      • Racial Justice & Reconciliation
      • Fellowship of SC Bishops/Public Education Initiative
      • Charleston Area Justice Ministry
      • Christian Jewish Council
      • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Communication and Evangelism >
      • Carolina Grace
      • Social Media Sunday
      • Mission Matters Videos
  • News
    • News Blog
    • 80th General Convention 2022 >
      • 80th General Convention Blog
    • Events Calendar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Lent 2023
    • Sacred Ground 2022
    • Responding to COVID-19
    • Email Newsletter
    • Episcopal News Service
    • Anglican Communion News
  • Giving
  • Convention
    • 232nd Diocesan Convention
  • Contact Us
    • Get in touch
    • Make a donation
    • Sign up for the newsletter
    • News Submission