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Faith Matters: God is the Wind Beneath our Wings
Spiritual wisdom teaches that if we want to ‘fly like an eagle’ the only tether should be to the cross, writes Bishop Gerard Bergie
By Gerard Bergie Contributing Columnist
Saturday, September 9, 2023
To soar like an eagle is a divine prospect and finds metaphors in scripture, such as St. John of the Cross who wrote: “For whether it be a strong wire rope or a slender and delicate thread that holds the bird, it matters not, if it really holds fast; for until the cord be broken the bird cannot fly.”
Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” was a No. 1 hit more than 30 years ago. This inspirational piece continues to be popular to this day.
A refrain found in the lyrics of the song states, “I can fly higher than an eagle. For you are the wind beneath my wings.”
To soar like an eagle is a powerful image. This majestic bird captures the human imagination as it transcends earthly bounds, rising to the heavens with power, majesty and beauty.
Is this not an enviable perspective? One can see so much more from lofty heights rather than by simply staying on the ground. To raise our spirits to the realm of new possibilities is both exciting and empowering.
From a spiritual perspective, the ‘wind beneath our wings’ is the action of God in our lives. Traditionally, the Holy Spirit has been called ‘the breath of God.’ The Spirit blows throughout the world renewing and restoring all things. That wind can also be associated with the cross.
St. John of the Cross was a Carmelite mystic who lived in the 16th century. He was a contemporary of another great Spanish Carmelite, St. Teresa of Avila. They both worked at reforming their religious orders; however, their greatest contribution was to the spiritual life. For more than 400 years, their spiritual writings helped ‘raise up’ many individuals who have sought deeper union with God.
John of the Cross believed that love is the powerful force that binds us to God and helps us to grow in holiness. The foundation of this divine union is love, for God is love. True love is rooted in freedom rather than manipulation or control. God will not compel or force our actions. We need to seek God freely and bind ourselves to love.
This process involves detachment from those things that keep us from God. The more we are willing to let go of those attachments, the more we are able to grow in love, holiness and union with God.