Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose hope is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It fears not the heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still bears fruit.
whose hope is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It fears not the heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still bears fruit.
We should read Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus with sadness. He tells a story that is all too familiar. We read about it in the newspapers daily; we see its depictions in film and TV; we grieve as it’s reenacted in our families.
Armchair theologians will speculate that an all-good God would not condemn anyone to hell. But we watch as strangers, acquaintances and friends consistently choose the worst. They’re lives spiral downward into disappointment, pain and misery. And it’s so unnecessary.
Lent calls us to contemplate the life of virtue, especially as we follow the Virtuous One. Jeremiah’s psalm, echoing Psalm 1, describes Jesus and his disciple.
Jesus is the one who trusts in the LORD. We have only to contemplate the state of his mind as he traveled toward Jerusalem. He knew very well how this trip would end; and yet he knew with even more conviction that he must obey the Spirit that guided him. Bethany, Jerusalem, the Cenacle, Gethsemane, the high priest’s chambers, Herod’s palace, Pilate’s court, the soldiers’ quarters, Calvary: these were the sites he must visit.
We might suppose he was not anxious. Had he not prophesied that the Son of Man would be raised up on the third day? But what did those words mean? Could anyone describe the Resurrection in advance? For that matter, can anyone describe it since then? Jesus hoped in the Lord.
He is like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream...
that stretches out its roots to the stream...
We often speak of the cross as the Tree of Salvation. The roots of the cross stretch to the flowing waters of God’s wisdom. Its leaves are green; and it bears abundant virtue even during the drought. Its opposite is the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil with its forbidden fruit.
The tragic story of the rich man and Lazarus reminds us that many prefer forbidden fruit. They choose their own destruction. Disciples of Jesus feed on the Tree of Life which is the cross. Perhaps some people will observe our green leaves and abundant fruit and turn back to the Lord.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.