Trees Grow Tall

June 16, 2024

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

I was reminded of a moment many years ago in our family history. Our first born was maybe two years old, and my parents came to visit from out east. My Dad had dug up a maple tree sapling, potted it and brought it with him as a gift to our son. Somewhere in the archives, we have a photo of us planting the tree and our son standing next to it. They were the same height. When we moved out of that house, some years later, the tree had grown to over 30 feet tall. Our son was taller too, but not quite that tall.

In todays Gospel reading we hear Jesus talk about the Mustard tree growing from a tiny seed. The tendency is to look at myself and think about how I need more faith. Which may well be true. Yet, as I reflect on this reading I am drawn to another image. In my mind, the tree can also represent the largess of the love and power of God.

First, some context. The Mustard tree grows in the Middle East, India and parts of Africa. Fully grown, it stands twenty to thirty feet tall. To those of us in North America, we’re thinking, “Thirty feet!? That ain’t nothin’!” And you’d be right. The trees in my backyard are taller than that. And if you want to talk about tall trees, the Giant Sequoia’s of California grow to over 300 feet. (And they, too, grow from the tiniest seed.) But, in all fairness, to Jesus’ audience, the Mustard tree is a good size tree.

If I look at the Mustard tree, or Giant Sequoia, what I see is that both grow from tiny seeds. Fully grown, they give shade to a large area and provide shelter for many birds and other wildlife. Their roots go deep into the soil and can survive drought, storms and fire.

And isn’t that what God does? I receive shelter from troubles, fears and sickness. God’s wide reach covers me and offers peace and mercy from the scorching issues of this world. In God’s presence I can make my home and know that I am protected from worry and insecurity.

I fear that too many people will hear this Gospel and think, “There is no way I can grow like that, so why bother trying?” I will try to make the point to them that they don’t have to try. All I have to do is go to the shade of God’s loving embrace. Once in that tender grip, God will provide all the security I need. It is not a matter of doing something for God, it simply being with God.

The birds and squirrels know what it is like to feel safe in a tree. I need to understand what it is like to feel safe in God’s wide-branching wide love. And to tell that story to as many people as I can.

Every Day.

© 2024 by Timothy J. Doppel

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