Scripture:
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Luke 16:19-31
Reflection:
I remember participating in a silent retreat years ago in Vina, California with the Trappists. I took a walk and was thinking about my ministry. I thanked God for the many blessings and my popular appeal as a missionary. As I considered the future I wondered and questioned. "Lord, they like me now that I am young, but what is going to happen when I grow older? Will they still come to the mission in large numbers?"
That day the Scripture reading was the Psalm 1 that we have today. I read, "He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves never fade." As I read these words I was suddenly struck with the fact that my best days were still ahead of me. God is faithful. As we remain in him and grow and mature, we become fruit bearing trees. I sensed that far from being less appealing because I would be older, I would be even more appealing because of my life experience and years with God.
There are times that I still fear the future and what it may bring. This Scripture continually comes to mind. As we journey with God this Lent, we may not see the growth. Yet, our roots are stretching deep and the running water is giving us growth. Psalm 1 was powerful in my life early in my ministry. I’ll never forget its message. The best is yet to come!
Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. is a missionary preacher, author of 15 books and creator of television and radio programs airing in many cities. You can learn more about his ministry at: http://www.frcedric.org/