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"Making a withered tree bloom" by Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB (CatholicMom.com) Image via Pixabay (2017), CC0 Public Domain[/caption] This verse from Ezekiel is one of my favorites. Over the past several months I was reminded of how differently I reflect upon God's word as I've matured. God will prune the tenderest part of who I've become as I've aged -- that piece that grew closest to Him and furthest from man -- and nurture the cutting. Though I am no longer strong (only slightly withered in my mind!) there is still the chance, with His attentive care, to be fruitful and offer comfort.
Thus says the Lord GOD: I, too, will take from the crest of the cedar, from its topmost branches tear off a tender shoot, and plant it on a high and lofty mountain; on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it. It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs. And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, bring low the high tree, lift high the lowly tree, wither up the green tree, and make the withered tree bloom. As I, the LORD, have spoken, so will I do. (Ezekiel 17:22-24, NABRE)
Copyright 2018 Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB

About the Author

Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB

Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB

Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB lives an eremitic life and authored A Garden Catechism, A Catholic Gardener’s Spiritual Almanac,  A Garden of Visible Prayer: Creating a Personal Sacred Space One Step at a Time, and  Cultivating God’s Garden through Lent. An award-winning author, Margaret has a master’s degree in communications, is a Certified Greenhouse Grower, Master Gardener, liturgical garden consultant, and workshop/retreat leader.