Daily Gospel Reflection for June 27, 2018

Today's Gospel: Matthew 7:15-20 I had been driving back roads one summer day when I saw a flowering tree growing near a ditch-line. Its shape was odd and from a distance I mistook it for a very large shrub. As I neared I saw the tree had been broken in two. The sight of a tree split in half is not uncommon, but to see one split like this and flowering profusely was a reason to stop. The shattered tree had not matured, but still a good size. The trunk was split down the center and half of the tree rested on the ground. What had broken it to its core, leaving it forever contorted? I walked into the ditch and looked up the incline. I had a clear view of the tree’s trunk. I tried to determine if it had been snow and ice that caused the break, lightning, or a wind sheer. I decided it didn’t matter what had caused the damage; it was a wonder the tree had lived at all. By the looks of it and the ground underneath, the tree still fruited. Taking a few steps toward the tree I bent down under the flowering limbs and closer to its scarred frame. I was tentative about placing my hand against the smooth bark, but felt lighter after having touched the tree’s disfigured trunk. The tree’s life had been shortened by the wounding; the damage had caused unexpected stress to its growth. Standing before that tree I was in awe because, though severely damaged, it lived, flowered, and bore good fruit. I wondered if those of us who have been deeply wounded, and who are working with God to manage our pain, are living examples as beautiful and fruitful as this tree.