Daily Reflection for Thursday February 18, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Thursday's readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021821.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Responsorial: Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Gospel: Luke 9:22-25
Our reflection on Thursday’s readings:
He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers. (Psalm 1:3)
The readings today are rich with strong messages about staying the course and staying on God’s path. They ring as a Lenten reminder to keep the ways of God. The readings are full of images that help me connect and internalize this message.
I connect strongly with one particular image brought forth in the Psalm today. It is the image of the tree that is planted near the running water. I do believe the ways of trees have strong lessons for us.
Having spent so much time in Indiana, I often think of the Sycamore tree when I read this Psalm. The Sycamore can stand as high as 100 feet and live over 200 years. They are recognized near Indiana’s riverbanks by their height and the flaky white bark that peels off its sturdy trunk. They grow best by a consistent water source and struggle to exist during times of drought. The roots of the tree spread to the water sources to keep the Sycamore producing seed and staying in good health.
The Psalm and the Sycamore invite me today to reflect on my own spiritual roots and how they are keeping me on God’s path. Roots that bring me spiritual waters and strengthen my trust in God who constantly calls me back to the Divine path. I know when I move to self-pity and self- doubt, when I get distracted by worry when I am praying and when I struggle to forgive hurts, my roots need to be grounded in healthier waters to help me stay on God’s path. This is my Lenten journey and my Lenten commitment. Perhaps I will keep a picture of the Sycamore to remind me of this message.
May your roots give you the spiritual gift of life today,
Margarita Solis Deal