Cedar trees in Lebanon
“He shall take root like the trees of Lebanon, his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. ”
In the first reading, we hear God assuring his people, through the prophet Hosea, of the loving welcome that awaits them if they repent. Hosea offers the image of God’s healing that brings new life and enables the people to grow, just like one of the sweet-smelling trees of Lebanon.
These trees are the famed Lebanon cedars. Desired by Solomon for the building of the Temple, the cedar tree is mentioned more than seventy times in the Old Testament. These deeply rooted, resilient evergreen trees continue to be a symbol of Lebanon, pictured at the centre of the national flag.
Today the Lebanese people face many challenges. The World Food Program estimates that food prices in Lebanon have risen by 628 per cent in just two years. Half the population live below the poverty line. The country hosts one of the highest populations of refugees per capita in the world.
As we dwell on Hosea’s beautiful image of the Lebanon cedar, let’s pray for the people of Lebanon and for just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Prayer
God, our refuge and strength, we pray for the people of Lebanon. Hear the cries of our hearts, bring peace beyond war, end the cycle of poverty, restore hope in place of despair. Amen.
Act
Find out more about our work supporting vulnerable communities in Lebanon.