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Roots of Trust
February 29, 2024
Jeremiah 17:5-10 | Luke 16:19-31 | Psalm 1
In today’s lessons, both the passage from the Book of Jeremiah and Psalm 1 paint the same image:
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord…
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
and it does not cease to bear fruit.
This is such a beautiful image, and the symbolism is so powerful. A living part of God’s creation, the tree stands solidly planted in the soil, weathering the seasons, providing shelter for animals and birds, bearing fruit in due season. The water of the stream provides assurance that the tree will not wither when hot winds blow and rain is scarce. Water is life.
But it’s the image of the roots that sparked my imagination as I read these passages. The roots extend deep into the soil to anchor the trunk and branches and provide stability. Water and nutrients are carried by the roots from the earth below to create new branches, leaves, flowers and fruit. The roots may be unseen, but they are vital to the life of the tree.
So… I ask myself, what are my roots? What provides my stability, nourishes my growth, and connects me to the water of life?
Since my retirement, I have dabbled in genealogy, and I’ve learned a great deal about the roots of my family. I’m not always sure how those centuries-old ancestors have directly shaped my life, but I’m interested to learn about their sacrifices which have made my life possible. I do know that I’m especially thankful for the guidance, love and support of my Mom and Dad. They planted this tree!
My loving wife has connected me to another family and our roots have become intertwined. Their love and care have supported me for over five decades.
Through my formative years I was provided an opportunity to learn from dedicated teachers and shared that experience with classmates who remain my dear friends to this day.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with some remarkable people who have mentored me and shared some incredible experiences.
But what about God? Am I one of those blessed who puts his trust in the Lord? Is my life rooted in God?
Why do I hesitate before confidently saying “Yes”.
Since my teen years I’ve been drawn to the liturgy of our Episcopal tradition, and I’ve worshipped and shared the Eucharist with thousands of folks over the years. I believe that we are the Body of Christ. And I love being a part of a Christian community where spiritual curiosity and growth are supported and encouraged.
I trust that God exists, and love is God’s nature. God has and continues to work in the world and sometimes that work includes me – but that usually becomes apparent to me only in retrospect.
My trust in God seems to be conditional – a part of me wants to remain in control, even if that control is imaginary. I’m a work in progress… but I trust that God knows that.
Tend to your roots this Lent. I love this payer by Thomas Merton:
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Paul Brookes
