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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Wednesday of 28th
Week OT
St. Luke Institute
October 15, 2014
THE WILLOW +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
In my childhood, a huge willow tree graced the
backyard of our home
Ø
Its slender tendrils and leaves brushed the
ground and its sturdy trunk used to beg me and my siblings to climb up to new
heights
Ø
The tree of my childhood seemed like it had been
there forever, which for children means before we could remember
Ø
Yet, it retained the grace of youth when the
wind blew its branches and moved it so gracefully back and forth
THE PSALM +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
The willow tree of my childhood came come to
mind when I read today’s psalm several days ago
Ø
The psalm compares a person, who is right with
the Lord, to the strength of a tree that has weathered every storm and yet stayed
rooted in the soil in which if first saw light
Ø
The tree
o
That bends, but does not break,
o
That shelters, but does not harm,
o
That invites others to take refuge in its
branches, but does not turn them away
Ø
This is a most suitable metaphor for those who
would follow Jesus and know the fruits of the Spirit
NEW MEANING +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
The tree, which becomes one with the very ground
of which it is part, is a wonderful comparison to Jesus who bends, shelters,
and invites
Ø
To Jesus who confronts the Pharisees and the
scholars with an exhortation to know, not just the words of the Law, but the
mercy and love of God who gave the Law
Ø
One might ask, “Is Jesus dismissing the Law?”
Ø
No, rather, he wants us to know God like a tree
knows the river and the soil from which it draws life
Ø
A tree that bends, shelters, and invites
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
He wants us to remain planted in the Lord, arms
lifting high to heaven in praise and thanksgiving
Ø
It’s nice to have a daily reminder in any tree I
see!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
