The Tree by the Water Ways

Reflection for 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
(Jer 17:5-8; 1Cor 15:12, 16-20; Lk 6:17, 20-26)
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord...He is like a tree planted by water...It does not cease to bear fruit.” This blessedness is contrasted with a curse for the one who places his trust in man. Ordinarily,  it appears expedient to hinge the energies of our heart on what is predictable or within our control. Our hope for a better tomorrow remains secure if placed in God. This is because hope in God goes above whatever temporal need or security we hope for. And the blessings this hope supplies comes in season and out of season.

The highest point of our hope in God is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. While we face difficulties or even death, we continue to trust in God that we shall conquer. In other words, the Resurrection inspires us on to face present challenges with a victorious heart. There is no room for depression or frustration. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” Thus we are always creative in solving present challenges. Like the tree by the water ways, so is our trust in the Resurrection, which supplies every strength for productive living at all times.

Therefore, Jesus proclaims, “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied.” The Beatitudes announce the mystery of human suffering and reveals its blessedness,  which shines out in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. From the pierced side of Jesus on the Cross, the ‘flowing streams’ gushed forth, and gives life to whoever drinks from it. There lies the fulfilment of the prophecy of Jeremiah in the first reading: if we plant our lives in Christ Jesus, it will be like the tree by the water ways, we will have renewed strength and always fruitful.

Fr Jude Chinwe Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Immaculate Conception Parish,
Iba Estate, Lagos.
Sunday February 17th, 2019.