ROOTS

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily for this 14^th Friday in Ordinary Time is, ”Roots.”

Last night I read over the readings for today - and the theme of “Roots” hit me.

My method is to  simply look for some image or idea in the readings for us to think about for that day.

Since Hosea talks in this particular reading about trees - the theme of roots hit me.

I am not good when it comes to knowing the names of trees. I followed a priest once who knew the names of all trees.  Not me. It would be nice if I knew more than Christmas trees.

Did you notice in today’s first reading  that Hosea  talks about 3 trees: the cypress, the cedar and the olive.  Then he also talks about grape vines as well as the lily flower.

All five have roots and all 5 need to be watered.

Roots  needs water to rise,  to grow, to blossom, to spread, to continue.

WE DON’T LOOK AT ROOTS.

It’s interesting that we look at trees, but usually don’t look at roots.

It’s like we spot the top of the table - and what’s on it - but usually don’t look at the legs of a table.

Next time you’re in a wooded area, stop to look at the roots of the different  trees.  Be careful. They can trip you up.

Or if you’re walking the dog - when it’s light - spot the roots as you walk up or down the street.

Next time you see a tree that has been knocked over because of a flood or steady downpour - and then some winds - take a good look at the exposed roots and how extensive they are.

Realize that roots  are like what holds up a tree.

FAMILY ROOTS

Hopefully, we realize we are roots - family roots - of our family tree -  and hopefully we do our best with good example and family presence and support - to the rest of the family tree.

VALUES

Family values are the roots we build our life on.

We need to realize parents want their kids  to  grow up with the best values.

STRENGHEN

Jesus spent his time trying to strengthen his disciples for life’s struggles.

He knew sometimes we are sheep and there are wolves around. He told us to be shrewd as serpents and as simple as doves.   

Shrewd and simple: what a smart self description - or daily goal.

He knew we need to grow stronger and stronger.

He knew trees and plants need to be watered.

CONCLUSION

Let me `close with a simple story about all this - in case I didn’t hit home and touch your roots.

A couple were running into problems in their marriage - so for some reason they decided to buy and plant a tree in their back yard.

They planted it in the corner of their  backyard, and said to each other,  “If this tree survives, we survive. If it grows we grow. If it doesn’t make it, we’ll split. That’s it.”

At their 25^th and 50^th anniversary, they renewed their vows under that tree, adding, “Many a time we caught the other sneaking out in the night to water that tree.”

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Picture on top: Uprooted tree over the trail at Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, Long Island, New York, Nov. 1, 2012, following Hurricane Sandy (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Todd Weston) In NCR