September 5 – Sheltering Spaces

If you have more than enough material possessions and see your neighbours in need yet close your hearts to them, how can the love of God be living in you? – (1 John 3:17)

In the remote wilderness of Western Australia, the Bungle Bungle Range rises from the landscape, its towering sandstone domes sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. These ancient formations provide shelter and unique microhabitats for an astonishing diversity of plant and animal life, each species finding its niche within the complex tapestry of the range’s ecology. The Bungle Bungles stand as a testament to the power of abundance, demonstrating how a richness of resources can create spaces of security and opportunity for a multitude of life forms.

Just as the Bungle Bungles offer refuge and sustenance to the creatures that inhabit them, we, too, are called to use our abundance to create sheltering spaces for those in need. When we open our hearts and share our resources, we participate in the intricate dance of giving and receiving that underlies all of creation. By recognising the interconnectedness of all beings and acting with compassion, we allow the love of God to flow through us, transforming our material possessions into instruments of grace and healing.

Reflection:
1. How can I use my resources, both material and non-material, to create spaces of shelter and opportunity for others?
2. In what ways do I close my heart to those in need, and how can I cultivate a spirit of openness and compassion?

Prayer:
Divine Presence, open my eyes to the abundance that surrounds me and my heart to those who are in need. Guide me to use my resources as a sacred trust, creating spaces of love, security, and opportunity for all.