Blessed are they who hope in the LORD. (Jer 17:7) 

The Giving Tree, by Shell Silverstein, is a beautiful book, for children of all ages. The story describes the relationship between a boy and a tree and the various stages of selfless “giving” the tree sacrifices as the boy matures in age. It is a book well worth re-visiting at various stages of our own lives.

In the first reading of today's liturgy, the prophet Jeremiah announces good news for the one who hopes or puts his or her trust in the LORD. That person is compared to a tree planted beside refreshing waters. Like The Giving Tree, a healthy tree can provide so many things for those in need. For example: Restful shade for someone exhausted by the heat of the day; nourishing fruit for the one who is hungry; strong wood to provide protection. So many good things can come from just one healthy and life-giving tree.

Do you consider yourself to be as one who hopes in the LORD? If so, then you too are called to be a life-giving tree. You too can offer food to the hungry, shelter and protection to the vulnerable, rest and peaceful security to those who are weary. The opportunities are endless and are always present before us but many times we wait to be asked to help before we respond. Our Gospel reminds us of Lazarus waiting at the door of the rich man. St. Augustine comments that the rich man's name is never revealed in the Gospel because God did not find his name written in heaven, whereas Lazarus' name was found there. (Sermon 33).

A life-giving tree, does not wait to be asked before providing shade, nourishment or protection.  THE life-giving tree, Jesus Christ, gave all he had to offer, his very life, in order to share with us the example of how we too can share and give what we have.  Let us pray this day for the awareness to be life-giving trees for the world in which we live.