Willow
Plants for Reflection: Willow
Willows all have abundant watery acidic bark and soft, usually pliant, tough wood, slender branches, and large, fibrous, roots. The roots are remarkable for their toughness, size, and tenacity to live, and roots readily sprout from aerial parts of the plant. The pliant branches enable many uses including simple shelters, utensils, and fencing.
Bible Passage: Job 40:22 (NRSV*)
The lotus trees cover it for shade; and willows of the wadi surround it.
The book of Job is a poetic reflection on suffering. At the start of the book, Job is a described as a wealthy man with a large family. He was a faithful believer who is afflicted by a whole series of misfortunes which test his faith in God, and at times bring him to the point of ruin or despair. Most of the book consists of dialogue between Job and his friends who try and help him find a solution. Through all of this, Job remains confident of his faith and in God’s care.
This verse comes from the final part of the book where God explains to Job about his love and care, and the practical necessities, for example the provision of food and shelter. At the end of the book Job finds that his troubles are over and lives a long life, with his good relationship with God restored.
Reflection: Homelessness
In its image of shade and shelter, this verse reminds us of the importance of having a safe place to live and rest. The charity Housing Justice has estimated that on average there are 2,688 people sleeping rough each night in the United Kingdom. For many people, this is the most visible example of homelessness, but it is only part of what is a much larger issue. In March 2021 nearly 100,000 people lived in temporary accommodation in the UK.
Churches and charities work to address issues of homelessness in three ways. Firstly, through “intervention,” for example the provision of food and shelter for those already homeless. Secondly, “recovery” providing advice and support to help people with issues that lead to homelessness such as debt advice or addiction support. Finally, churches work towards “prevention” of homelessness by providing housing for those who struggle to find suitable accommodation, and support for those in that housing in maintaining their homes.
At the heart of the Christian message is an invitation to belong. A place of your own is more than bricks and mortar. As the lotus tree and willow remind us, it is a place to shelter, to put down roots and feel that you belong.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Almighty God:
Your love is offered to all people and is a home to those who are in need or trouble. Inspire your Church with the Spirit of Christ’s Love.
Empower us to battle the injustice of homelessness by showing compassion to each person in need of your kindness.
We pray today
· For all people who lack shelter and a place where they feel they belong.
· For those who sleep outside on our streets and in other inappropriate or dangerous places.
· For families broken because they could not afford to pay the rent.
· For those living each day with the insecurity of temporary housing, unable to put down roots.
For these and other people, we pray that you will provide shelter, security, and hope.
We offer our prayers and thanks for all people working tirelessly to respond, to intervene and to prevent homelessness and the harm it causes to your people.
Amen.
What we do: Homelessness
As a church we support the work of Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service (LDHAS). LDHAS is a charity based in the centre of Lancaster which offers a basic needs service for people who are homeless or experiencing housing poverty in Lancaster and the surrounding area.
LDHAS provides access to a telephone, assistance with form filling, breakfast and lunch, shower facilities, an address for correspondence, clothing, and laundry facilities. They also provide information for health services, benefits, housing needs, referrals to drug and alcohol treatment services and employment.
All these are things we sometimes take for granted and homelessness can happen to anyone. We support this service by donating our Harvest goods, loose change collections taken at the Advent services, and men’s clothing. We also learn regularly from our friends at LDHAS about the challenges faced by the organisation and the people it serves. We are very grateful to them for the powerful and meaningful insight they have brought to us about this.
To download a copy of this reflection please click here
* New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised Edition, © 1989, 1995, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
© Garstang United Reformed Church 2022
