Faith Formation

“The first reading from the book of Jeremiah closes with these words”: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is in the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that have stretched out its roots to the stream; It fears not the heat when it comes; its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress but still bears fruit.” A similar verse is found in the first psalm. In referring to those who have their joy in the law of the Lord: “They are like a tree planted near streams of water that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers.” I love these verses. In this metaphor, the stream is the living water of our life of Baptism, the Source of life. When one stays connected with the Lord, one draws from a bottomless and infinite stream. How important it is to keep God in the center. The verse speaks of the fruits, the positives of living in trust and prayerful communion with God. In wedding homilies I refer to this passage as the key to an enduring wholesome union for if both husband and wife prioritize their relationship with the Lord by praying together and attending Mass together, they can expect much “fruit” in their marriage. Of course, for each one of us the same is true.

Today’s Gospel of the Beatitudes is set against the backdrop of the reading from Jeremiah. Jeremiah’s description of the differences between the barren bush in the desert and the tree planted beside the waters offers a wonderful contrast that is picked up in this gospel. Those who cling to the things of this world are like the barren bush; their reward is hunger, grief, and tears. But those who thirst for God are like the tree planted near flowing waters; their reward is the kingdom of God.

Springfield Bishop Mitchell Rozanski invites the Catholic community in Western MA to participate in one of four regional listening/dialogue sessions addressing the sex abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. The sessions will allow the faithful to make their concerns known, offer observations, and ask questions of the bishop and diocesan officials. Monday March 18, at St. Mary Church, Westfield, from 7- 8:30 pm; and Sunday March 24 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Hall, 10 Hawley Street, Northampton from 6-7:30 p.m. The Bishops of the United States will be joining bishops from around the world to meet with our Holy Father Francis in Rome in February to discuss and work out policies with regard to these serious matters in the Church.

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