“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,    whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes;     its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

(Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Jeremiah 17:5-8

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

Lord God, 
teach us how to rely on your strength and your life in us. 

Give us the grace to trust in you and to come to you when we need you most.
Amen. 

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