This passage from Jeremiah calls us to a life-giving relationship with the Lord. It asks us to trust his help and rely on him for what we need. The prophet suggests that if we do this, we will be like a well-watered tree whose roots run true and deep.
There is something majestic about an old tree that is solid as a rock and
well-nurtured by the soil that sustains it. The tree knows where its nutrients come from. You can see the health of a tree by its green leaves and sturdy branches.
The prophet is saying that we, too, can have sturdy branches and green leaves if we lean on God. By coming to the Lord each day in prayer, we can be filled with the sap of the Holy Spirit. The strength of the Lord, through whom we can do all things, can strengthen our
branches.
In what ways can you rely on God today? What is the grace that you will ask for?
Reflections by Grant Tungay SJ