It is the splendid month of May in the upper Midwest, blue as Our Lady’s mantle.

As you read this, a drama is unfolding outside this author’s window.

A bluebird box, recently installed, is the new home of one of the most beautiful creatures found on this continent: the Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis. A pair of them have been dutifully tending to a nest of fine, natural materials; filling the air with their peaceful sound and striking color, preparing for a clutch of gemstone eggs.

They are a living metaphor of divine grace, and doubtless the inspiration behind Emily Dickinson’s famous poem, Hope is the thing with feathers. They are beautiful.

They are also under attack.

A rowdy gang of House Sparrows, Passer domesticus—that clamorous, nonnative species that is the plague of American birders—has moved in nearby, and are now attempting to oust the bluebirds. They aim to invade, break the eggs, kill the female and any nestlings, and pack the box with a nest more to their own liking: stuffed, messy, often with bits of human trash and synthetics. They are loud, aggressive, and persistent.

So far, whenever a sparrow has descended to the box roof, blaring its “intimidate” call, the male bluebird has quickly zipped in to send the contender away. A blur of wings, an airborne scuffle, and he resumes the quiet work of tending the nest.

Then, it happens again. Each time, the bluebird is a bit slower to respond; and there are many sparrows.

The metaphor for the current crisis in the Church is unmistakable, and all Catholics could benefit from an examen here: Who are the brave souls today, willing to do the work (quiet at times, fierce at others) to ensure that the souls of men and the honored institutions of the Church aren’t ceded to invaders, usurpers, and predators… or at least, not without a fight? Whether—and how much—are we taking external, practical steps to hold the kingdom of heaven against her enemies, even “by violence” (Mt 11:12)?

The birds are still tussling outside. Who will triumph?

In the spiritual battle, the faithful know that our supporters in the Church Triumphant are beyond number. “They that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs 6:16), and Christ has already won the victory. All manner of things shall be well. But, in the meantime, “let him who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one” (Lk 22:36). There is work to be done here below, and superior firepower is always available those imploring God’s grace—just ask the solitary angel sent against the Assyrians (see 2 Kings 19).

For the bluebirds, I expect the intervention of a scoped Anschutz will make a difference. Our heavenly Father sees every sparrow that falls, and will have watched one more by the time you read this.

Now, what about us—coheirs with Christ and children of Holy Mother Church? What are our weapons, and are we prepared to wield them?

Best get to it, lest miscreant birds devour the Seed.

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Mt 10:34).

Bravo the Restoration!