Weekly Green Tau

Lent Reflection

13th April 2022

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cercis_siliquastrum#/media/File:PikiWiki_Israel_3421_Geography_of_Israel.jpg

The Judas tree – cercis siliquastrum – is a small tree, growing up to 12m whose ranges extends from Southern Europe to Western Asia. It was common in Israel, and its French name ‘arbre de Judée‘,  may give rise to its English name. Other suggestions are that it is so named because Judas hung himself on  this tree. It bears bright pink blossoms in spring which appear before its leaves, which are heart shaped. In the autumn it produces flat seed pods – the seeds themselves are poisonous. The pods are said to resemble a weaver’s shuttle, which in Greek is ‘kerkis’ which gives rise to its botanical name.

Forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin again us. And do not let us yield to temptation. 

Luke 11.4

For there to be betrayal, there would have to have been first trust. Suzanne Collins, Hunger Games

Lent Reflection

12th April 2022

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pistacia_palaestina.JPG

The terebinth tree – pistacia terebinthus – is also known as the turpentine tree. It grows to a height of 10m and is a tree of the Mediterranean region. It can love for up to 1000 years, if not disturbed. It is a deciduous tree with glossy leaves, purplish-red flowers and brownish-red pea-like fruits. The whole plant emits a strong odour variously described as bitter or medicinal. It certain,y has many medicinal uses including treating coughs and asthma. It is used to flavour spirits, oils, and bread. It’s leaves are edible and its fruits can be roasted like coffee beans. Turpentine can be produced from its resin, whilst a sweet gum can be made from its bark.

In Hebrew it is named ‘elah’ and ‘elot’ in the plural as opposed to the oak which is named ‘alon’. Often in English translations both words are translated as oak. Although the two types of tree are in many respects very different, the terebinth is, like the oak, said to symbolise strength and endurance. 

So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the terebinths of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD. Genesis 13:18 

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great terebinths that the LORD has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3

Counting on …day 149 

12th April 2022

It may not look much, but I was glad I was wearing my cycle helmet when I collided head on with a car. It took sufficient of the impact to allow me to leave hospital 24 hours later with just a cracked vertebra. 

Safety helmets were designed to protect us in case of accidents. And as accidents do happen, we should always wear them. 

Lent Reflection

11th April 2022

Almond Blossom Bloom Castle Blossom Almond Trees http://www.maxpixel

The almond tree – Prunus amygdalus – is native to the Levant. Its fruit (technically a drupe rather than a nut) is edible. It is said to have been one of the first fruit trees to be cultivated, possibly because it can be grown from seed – no skills in grafting are needed. The tree grows to a height of between 4 and 10m. Its is one of the first trees to produce blossom in the spring and is therefore also associated with new life. 

In Hebrew the word for almond  ‘shaqad’, also has the meaning of watchfulness. When Jeremiah sees the flowering almond, God says that it is a sign that God is watching,  ready to fulfil his word. (Jeremiah 1:11-12)

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 

In the Bible, the Lord says: I am like the flower of the almond. Why? Because that is the first flower to blossom in the spring. He is always the first! This is fundamental for us: God is always ahead of us! When we think about going far away, to an extreme outskirt, we may be a bit afraid, but in fact God is already there. Pope Francis, The Church of Mercy

Lent Reflection

9th April 2022

In the UK the broom is considered a shrub rather than a tree and in its cultivated forms has decorative yellow and red blooms. Native to North Africa and the Middle East is another member of the broom family known as the retama broom. The retama raetam or white weeping broom, grows to a height of 3m and up to 6m in spread. As well as being able to photosynthesise through its leaves, it can also photosynthesise through its stem which enables it to grow in hot, dry conditions. Its fruits (pea-like) and flowers provide food for goats, and its branches have been used as fuel since ancient times. Its deep roots help stabilise sandy soils.

In the Jewish tradition, the tree under which Hagar leaves Ishmael to die, for they had run out of water, is said to be the broom tree. It is also the broom tree (although alternatively it is said to have been a juniper tree!)  under which the despairing Elijah also lies down having fled from Jezebel’s murderous rage. Both Hagar and Elijah then receive refreshment from God. The broom tree is thus said to symbolise renewal.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Renewal

“What is the scent of water?” “Renewal. The goodness of God coming down like dew.” Elizabeth Goudge, The Scent of Water

Lent Reflection

8th April 2022

Young Tree Date Palm Plantation Phoenix Dactylifera http://www.maxpixel

The date palm – phoenix dactylifera – has been cultivated since ancient times, possibly originated in what is now Iraq. They were and are grown for their fruit which are eaten fresh and dried or made into syrup, wine or vinegar. The date palm needs about 8 years before fruiting but once mature can produce 70kg of fruit or more. Date palms can live for up to 150 years.

The date palm has been used as a symbol of prosperity and triumph. Palm leaves were carried in the triumphal victory processions in Rome, by followers of Jesus when he entered Jerusalem, and are in art works are symbolically carried by martyrs.

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people, he adorns the humble with victory. Psalm 149:4

It is the nature of the strong heart, that like the palm tree it strives ever upwards when it is most burdened. Philip Sidney

 Counting on … day 145

8th April 2022

Tomorrow Extinction Rebellion will be standing up for action to halt the climate crisis. Be brave and show your support, if not with for XR, then with other climate action groups or even just as one individual showing solidarity with all the other individuals who are equally passionate about saving our world.

 Counting on …day 144

7th April 2022

Hope is a great gift. It gives us the confidence to smile and keep going, even

when the odds seem stacked against us. Hope is often to be found in small things. A weed, against the odds, pushing up between the paving stones.  Spotting a first ladybird. Taking time to enjoy the aroma of a fresh cup of coffee.