On Eagles Wings

I’m writing this post from the north woods of Wisconsin, where a few hours ago I was treated to the majestic sight of an eagle landing in a tall pine tree just yards away from where I was enjoying my morning coffee. (Not a bad way to begin Independence Day!) There’s something truly breathtaking about these particular animals – when you see them it’s not difficult to understand why eagles have such deep symbolic importance for so many different cultures and spiritual traditions.

In the Torah, of course, the eagle is a central symbol of liberation:

You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, how I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to Me. (Exodus 19:4)

Commentators have pointed out that the image of the Israelites being borne out of Egypt on eagles wings is actually “zoologically correct:” eagles are indeed known for carrying their young on the wide expanse of their wings.

What a great spiritual suggestion for this 4th of July: perhaps true liberation can only come to our nation when we become as eagles for one another – committed to bearing all members of our national community upon our collectively outstretched wings.

Just a thought as you watch the fireworks and fire up the barbecue:

Happy Inter-dependence Day…