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TODAY’S WORD…

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“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord

and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank,

with roots that reach deep into the water.

Such trees are not bothered by the heat

or worried by long months of drought.

Their leaves stay green,

and they never stop producing fruit.”

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– Jeremiah 17:7-8

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REFLECTION… on the prosperity of those who trust in God.

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“We are asked to consider three things in the image of the tree

– its being well-rooted,

its fruitfulness,

and the sustaining of its life.

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To be well-rooted, the tree must be well-watered,

otherwise it will dry up and wither away.

Thus, we are told that the tree is planted beside running waters, which symbolise the currents of grace.

‘He who believes in me…out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ (Jn 7:38)

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The one whose roots draw on the living waters

will bear much fruit in all the good works that he does,

and fruitfulness is the second aspect of the image that we are asked to contemplate.

‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.’ (Gal 5:22)

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The tree does not wither away: it is sustained in life.

Some trees lose their leaves, but others never lose their leaves;

and thus it is with righteous men […];

they will not be forgotten by God even in their tiniest and least significant actions.

‘The righteous will flourish like a green leaf.’ (Pr 11:28)

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– St Thomas Aquinas.

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PRAYER…

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Lord Jesus, I trust in You, my hopes are on You.

Lord, help me to be like a tree planted by the waters.

Nurture me, Lord. Nourish me, Lord.

You are my Water of Life!

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