2nd Week of Lent
He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream. (Jeremiah 17:8)
Can you imagine if Jeremiah had written that the just man “is like a dandelion plant”? Who would want to be compared to a weed? But have you ever seen a dandelion root? It’s substantial—at least as deep as the plant is tall—and it goes straight down. If you’ve struggled to pull up a dandelion in your yard, you can attest to the strength of that root!
Not only does the dandelion’s root help the plant anchor itself in the soil; it’s also a very effective nutrient-delivery system. As the root goes deep into the soil, it absorbs the food and moisture the plant needs to stay healthy.
Well, Jeremiah didn’t call us dandelions, but he did say that we are like trees that God has planted. No doubt, drought will come. Heat will threaten us. That’s part of life in this world. But God has planted us near life-giving waters, and he wants us to sink our roots deeply into the soil so that we can tap into them.
Deep roots of faith save you in times of distress. Even when your heart feels like those gnarled and knotted roots that skim the surface of the forest, you can take comfort in the fact that there are great riches of nourishment and strength available to you. You don’t have to stay on the surface! The Holy Spirit is powerful enough to help you tap into richer soil and find all the grace you need.
What better way to deepen your faith than hearing his word and receiving his Body at Mass? It’s the perfect place to leave your anxieties behind and immerse yourself in all that he has to offer you. Seated there in the presence of the Lord, surrounded by your brothers and sisters, you can’t help but absorb his grace and strength.
There is so much the Lord wants to give you—wisdom, guidance, comfort, forgiveness, freedom from guilt, release from fear, courage for your challenges. It’s all waiting for you there at the altar. So come to him, root yourself in his word, and absorb his grace.
“Father, thank you for planting me in the soil of your grace and presence! Lord, may I find all the nourishment I need at the table of your word and the table of the Eucharist.”
Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 16:19-31
Daily Marriage Tip for March 20, 2014:
March 20 marks the Spring Equinox. With the beginning of spring our earth renews itself. Learn something new about your spouse today no matter how long youve been married.