September 4 – Sheltering the Least
The ruler will answer them, ‘The truth is, every time you did this for the least of my sisters or brothers, you did it for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
The drooping sheoak stands as a silent testament to the interconnectedness of all life. This unassuming tree provides shelter and sustenance to a myriad of bird species, including the endangered glossy black cockatoo. In its branches, we witness a spiritual lesson: when we care for the vulnerable and the marginalised, we are tending to the very presence of the Divine in our midst.
Just as the sheoak’s existence is intricately bound to the well-being of the creatures it supports, our own spiritual growth is inextricably linked to how we treat those who are most in need. By preserving this tree and the countless others like it, we are not merely engaging in an act of ecological conservation; we are participating in a sacred act of love and compassion. In the whispers of the wind through the sheoak’s needles, we can hear the call to open our hearts to the least among us, recognising that in doing so, we are opening ourselves to an encounter with the Divine.
Reflection:
1. How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness of all life, and how might this awareness influence the way I treat others, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalised?
2. In what ways can I contribute to the preservation and protection of the natural world, understanding that in doing so, I am also participating in an act of spiritual care and compassion?
Prayer:
May I be granted the grace to recognise the presence of the Divine in all of creation, especially in those who are most in need. Guide me to be a source of shelter, nourishment, and love, just as the sheoak is to the creatures that depend on it.