Blog
Third Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 55 and the Art of Pine Needle Basket Making
by Jamie Le Jeune
Isaiah 55:1–9
Luke 13:1–9
Hear, everyone who thirsts;
–Isaiah 55:1
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Isaiah 55:1–9 and the art of making baskets from pine needles are similar in that they encourage thoughtful theological reflection about the relationship between spirituality and nature. Respect is crucial in making baskets, as only the needles that naturally fall off of the tree are harvested and used. This detail is similar to the abundance and welcoming given in Isaiah 55, where abundance is offered to all, including those who thirst and those without money.
Making baskets can also be a meditative experience as it is encouraged to do it away from distractions and in the presence of the trees amid their grandness and silence, creating an experience of awe. This atmosphere is similar to the feeling of presence in Isaiah. Drawing a connection between these two seemingly unrelated practices invites a deeper understanding of the harmony between divine teachings and the tranquility found in nature and allows a deeper understanding of what it means to engage with the natural world in a manner that is both respectful and nurturing.
Prayer
Gracious God, you invite all who thirst to come and drink freely of your abundance. As pine needles fall gently to the earth, may we learn to receive your gifts with reverence and gratitude. In the quiet of creation, teach us to listen for your presence and to embrace the harmony between faith and nature. May this Lenten season shape our hearts to be receptive and generous, reflecting your love in all we do. Amen.
Jamie Le Jeune is a born and bred Louisiana Acadian (Cajun), now living in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she serves as a deaconess. Her calling has led her to serve her local church as an outreach and nurture coordinator. Le Jeune also serves her community as a chaplain at Forrest General Hospital, a group leader through the Spectrum Center, and an advocate with the Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention. The Studio, an eco-art ministry she began in 2014, is where she finds joy, peace, and rejuvenation — which she loves sharing with others. The remainder of her time is spent with her loving family.
All baskets are made by Jamie Le Jeune.
