It was dusk and the elk were in the meadow not 50 yards away. At least 30 people were scattered along the roadside with binoculars and cameras of every description concentrating on the animals. The elk ignored us. The only consternation came from the bull of the herd who bugled a challenge when another bull wandered into his territory. So far as humans were concerned, we were where they expected us to be.
Driving past the same area next midday, no elk were in sight. Where did they go during the day? We determined to find out.
The meadow backed on to a heavily wooded ridge where they must surely be. A trail conveniently looped around the ridge which we followed for a couple of miles but found no elk. True, the ridge was a mile long and a half mile wide, but 100 elk are hard to hide.
Finding no fresh sign on the back side of the ridge, we decided to leave the trail and criss-cross the area. Somewhere in the middle of it, we found a game trail with evidence elk had recently been there. We followed it and within a few minutes heard a bugling elk. Heading toward the sound, we suddenly heard a crashing. We’d found the herd and they were fleeing through the woods. But what had spooked them?
We circled around to get closer for a clear view, but again the elk bugled and again the herd bolted when we got within 300 yards. Were they threatened by us? Surely they were used to humans. They were, but not back here.
When the bull bugled a challenge again, we realized what he had in mind and it was time to leave. The animals were reacting entirely differently because we were not where they expected us to be.
The reaction of these animals was similar to ours when something is wholly out of place. For example, when we’re at work, school or in a store, we’re accustomed to profanity, pushy behavior and coarse music. We don’t like it, but it’s where we expect it to be.
When the same thing is present in ecclesial circles, however, we react differently. We want it stopped, immediately. And we are right, for such things are wholly out of place and threaten a greater harm to follow.
We don’t need to feel hypocritical about having one level of toleration for situations in the world and a different one for what happens in the ecclesia. When things are not where they are supposed to be, even the animals know enough to make a difference and get away from possible danger.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One