As my husband and I rode along the Adriatic coast, our guide pointed out an island called Brijuni. She told us about an olive tree on this island that is around 1,700 years old and still producing olives each year. This tree has endured centuries of drought and war and yet continues to bear fruit. It probably has seeded many new generations of olive trees now producing their own bounty. Hearing about this tree has caused me to consider the fruit I am bearing and the seeds I am sowing. Have I stood firm during stormy and troubled times, patiently and bravely bearing fruit, not worrying about what lies ahead? In today’s quoted verse, Jesus tells us that we have been chosen to bear “fruit that will last.” Long after our time of planting seeds and bearing fruit has passed, the fruit of our life’s work will continue to contribute to the bounty of love, wisdom, peace, and joy that is the kingdom of heaven. All these will start from the simple yet faithful contributions we make today, here and now, to reflect the love and care of God. Anne N. Cremons (Minnesota, USA)
Posted on: Sat, 31 Aug 2013 10:30:36 +0000