The journey towards Panjim, after crossing the Zuari bridge, the natural arch formed by the branches of the trees was awesome and it spoke of adjustment, acceptance, communion and healthy relationships. Though today we find those trees missing!
Being in one family is sometimes a surprising experience of loving relationship and a profound bond with the other, different from me — based on the simple fact of being human beings. John O’Donohue says: “There are people whose presence is encouraging. … The sense of encouragement you feel from them is not simply their words or gestures; it is rather their whole presence enfolding you and helping you find the concealed door.”
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As parts of the body of Christ, each of us has an important role in keeping our families in unity and harmony, living a life worthy of our call – be a priest, religious or married. The ordinary life at Nazareth actually calls for an extraordinary life, one that innovates in its work, whether in our families or personal living. We must move from dictating or commanding to selflessly caring, sharing, appreciating, motivating, empowering and by our living witness of being another Christ, becoming messengers of his kingdom. For our Pope makes a call for: communion, participation and mission.
A perfect example of union in communion is a tree whose parts are interconnected, intertwined, interdependent as architects of union in communion.
Surely, a tree stands tall against the storm and strong winds because it is well-grounded with deep roots. I remember something I saw from our veranda during the rainy season: a natural arch of trees. The trees seem to make way for the branches to grow: some branches moved to the left, others to the right — the adjustments they made, the understanding and acceptance! While some nearby trees were uprooted by the gusty winds, these same trees stood tall with the support of the other branches that were intertwined and interconnected, showing both communion and relationship. I was lost in a deep reflection about letting go of pettiness and petty things, ignoring the faults and failures of others, and living peacefully and graciously, like the trees — live and let live!
The tree is a symbol of sacrifice — from its roots to its leaves, the whole tree gives itself for others. When I lived in a city while at school, I went with a basket to collect leaves fallen from a tree to warm water; and the ashes were used as fertiliser for plants. I remember how many decades ago, we also used those ashes to wash utensils, when nobody had heard of modern detergents!
Just as the roots of the tree do the “groundwork,” the other parts carry on their respective functions of keeping the tree alive and withstanding the external forces of destruction — so does the communion of the members in our family.
The trees indeed are radical architects of union in communion, from whom we continue to learn a lot. The different ways by which we can attain communion with Christ is by daily participation in the Eucharist, being part of the family rosary, reading the Word of God and by repeating my favourite bible quotations!
