Counting on … Lent 12

20th March 2025

We have a growing understanding of the many ways in which flora and fauna in the natural world support and aid each other. On the Knepp Estate nature was given free reign to re-wild what had been poor grade farmland. One observation highlighted the importance of brambles in providing a protective barrier around sapling trees that protected them from being  grazed and/or being trampled as  they sprouted from seeds. 

“When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be left for the alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all your undertakings. When you beat your olive trees, do not strip what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not glean what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow.” Deuteronomy 24:19-21

Just as in nature, so in God’s kingdom we should not take every last for ourselves, but leave sufficient resources in place to allow others to thrive. It is important to learn how we can live in systems that benefit not just ourselves but everyone.

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Author: Judith Russenberger

Environmentalist and theologian, with husband and three grown up children plus one cat, living in London SW14. I enjoy running and drinking coffee - ideally with a friend or a book.

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