Like Trees In The Forest

Bible Readings:

Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14; Luke 11:1-4

The article What good is a tree? in Readers Digest explained that when the roots of trees touch, there is a substance present that reduces competition. In fact, this unknown fungus helps link roots of different trees, even of dissimilar species. A whole forest may be linked together. If one tree has access to water, another to nutrient, and the third to sunlight, the trees have the means to share with one another. Like the trees in a forest, Christians are linked together by their faith in Jesus Christ. As we read in today's first reading (Gal 2:8), St Peter and St Paul taught that the true mark of a Christian is not the observance of the old Mosaic Law such as circumcision, but faith in Christ, and irrespective of our national origins or of our previous religion, we all become one in Christ. Being one in Christ makes us all children of God, for Christ himself is the Son of God. That is why Jesus asked us to call God Our Father (Lk 11:2). If we are the children of the same heavenly father, we must love and support one another as the trees do in a forest. The spirit of a Christian community is achieved where there is the surrender of self for the other. Christian joy never comes to me by seeking it for myself. But it does come to me, when I bring joy to others.