Meadowsweet photographed in the English Lake District. Reflection by my friend Gill Henwood.
In a damp field, tall Meadowsweet has spread across from the track verge to the woodland. Sweetly scented, attracting insects and humans alike, meadowsweet has been used for flavouring, herbal remedies and strewing cottage floors. Once named ‘Bridewort’, the flowers were woven into garlands for summer brides, perfect to celebrate village wedding days
Every summer, I used to cut some meadowsweet from ditches for the church windowsills. Placed in simple tall jugs and jars, the scent perfumed the side aisle while south sunlight filtered through the beautiful soft flower plumes. Now, I welcome meadowsweet in our garden dell, leaving the grasses and rosebay willowherb for insects and the elephant moth caterpillars.
The heatwave is bringing glory to the damp meadows too, with their roots deep into the wild soil. No sun reaches through to dry out the field, creatures have a sanctuary to hide in, owls and kestrels watch the tracks for small prey.
This wild field isn’t cut by humans, but manages itself. Badgers visit too, unseen by us. The mysterious life of one wonderful field.
Sweet Meadow Queen, bring peace into this space. Like your frothy blooms, let turbulent thoughts drift away. Heal the body, soothe the mind, and calm the weary heart. May this flower bring love, joy, and comfort to my home, Rooting me in the present moment. So be it.
My friend, Gill Henwood, has sent me this photograph of cattle resting from the heat near Coniston in the Lake District. Here’s her short refection.
The Belties (Belted Galloway cows) and their recent calves have chosen deep shade on the felltop, where a cool breeze is lifting from Coniston Water up the hill towards them.
An essay on how to keep cool. A couple of mornings ago, they were down at the water edge of Tarn Hows. They are free range around the National Trust fells, choosing the best resting places for the young calves. As parents do.
As our heavenly Father does when we listen in Creation to the wind and shade and the weather warnings…
We bring before you the people of Venezuela and the horrific earthquake that has hit that country around the capital and beyond. We pray, almighty God, that their resilience will be strengthened by your sheltering them under your wings. We pray for those who are still trapped, yet alive; we pray for the souls of the dead and all who mourn the loss of loved ones. Bless the search teams; we pray for the sniffer dogs which can detect human life; for the rescuers as they prepare for finding any bodies, alive or dead; we pray for the miracles whenever a person is found; we thank you for the life of the baby that was found alive, and the child today.
Lord help us to hold all in our prayers and so touch them with our concern and our love. Into your gracious keeping we commend all in need, despair and without hope at this time. Amen.
St John’s Wort at Fairacres. Photo by Julia Sheffield.
A few days ago we celebrated the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. (June 24th,) – Midsummer’s Day. John has two festivals though I suspect the one this week was preferable to him than the other which commemorates his beheading!
Just before celebrating his Nativity, I visited the Convent of the Incarnation, the home of the Sisters of the Love of God at Fairacres in Oxford. By the entrance there was a profusion of yellow flowers filling a bush of welcome. I was reminded that the birth of St John the Baptist and this flowering bush are connected. In horticultural parlance it is known by the name Hypericum but it also has a name in religion – that of St. John’s Wort. It flowers mainly in June and usually around the time of St. John’s birthday.
The word ’Wort’ comes from the Old English word, ‘Wyrt’, meaning a plant or a herb or root. It is associated by some with folk medicine and is said to have healing properties in the treatment of mild depression. However, it can affect other medicines adversely so it’s always wisest to consult professional people.
Gardeners know it as a herb with woody roots which the Royal Horticultural Society tells of it bearing yellow flowers mark by black glands and leaves that appear perforated due to translucent glands producing copious seed per plant.
From a religious point of view, it is noted that the flowers have five petals which represent a halo. When cut there is red liquid which becomes a symbol of St. John the Baptist’s beheading.
Religious folklore adds that the plant traditionally wards off evil spirits and demons linking this with St John as a spiritual protector. In medieval Europe people hung sprigs of the plant above doorways to protect homes. During midsummer celebrations the plant was placed in fields and burned in bonfires. This was to protect people, livestock, homes and crops against evil forces.
Oddly, in an age when evil and malice prevail more than ever, we neglect these helpful ceremonies and symbols!
That was certainly not true for Saint Columba. According to Gaelic tradition, Columba always carried a piece of St. John’s Wort not only because of his great regard for St. John but also for its protective and healing qualities.
This is one of the many examples how nature and spirituality are intertwined as God’s great design of Creation of which we are but a part. Living in harmony, care and love for God’s creation which defines us, is something we need to re-discover and put into practice. May St. John’s Wort remind us of that.
Breath of Summer ~ a prayer
Creator God who breathed this world into being, who is discernible within the harmony of nature, the perfection of a butterfly’s wing, the grandeur of a mountain range, the soaring eagle and humming bird, thank you for this world which you have created. Thank you for summer sun, which reminds us that your creative breath is still alive and active. Thank you for the warmth of your love, sustaining this world, your garden
Prayer from Xavier University Cincinnati #Jesuitresource.org is developed by The Center for Mission and Identity at Xavier University with support from the Conway Institute for Jesuit Education.
Mr G's Ponderings 