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Have you ever witnessed a flock of birds flying in unison across the sky?

This mesmerizing phenomenon is often seen in starling flocks, but similar "swarm behavior " can also be found among schools of fish and swarms of insects. I recently learned that this called “murmurations”.

It is truly fascinating to watch as the flock flows, twisting and turning unpredictably, yet always moving in perfect harmony. At times, it is as if you are watching a single, vast piece of sheer silk moving gracefully, animated by the wind.

How do they do it? While the exact mechanisms are not fully known, most researchers agree that each bird pays careful attention to the speed, distance, and direction of its nearest neighbors—typically tracking about seven other birds—rather than following the entire flock or a leader.

Then why do they do it? Most importantly, gathering in a flock offers protection from predators. As the birds unite, they appear far larger, and also make it difficult for predators to single out an individual target. In addition, gathering together may create an aerodynamic which provides a shield of warmth and reduces individual energy consumption.

As I pondered the beauty of murmurations, I found myself thinking about our own life. Of course, we strive to live according to the words of Jesus, the teachings of the Church, and the values of our society. Yet, when it comes to daily life, these guiding principles can sometimes feel rigid, distant, or hard to translate into action. We can easily get buried under our own routines and personal interests, engaging only within the comfort of what is familiar.

But what if we “murmurate” ourselves? Like starlings in graceful flight, how about paying our attention to those nearest to us—friends, neighbors, family, familiar/unfamiliar faces at parish, or people on the street on your way home? We could check in with them, spark a conversation, invite them to share a coffee, or simply exchange thoughts. By reaching out in small yet intentional ways, we begin to weave the threats of relationship— responding to the needs, joys, and struggles of those around us.

Then, something beautiful begins to happen. Just as birds move in perfect but spontaneous harmony, the Spirit quietly shapes us, moves among us, flows through us—teaching us to love more freely and live more joyfully. It can all begin with something as simple as reaching out to the next person who steps into your life.

From Fr. James