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Quiet Storm by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, 10 April 2023 A photo-reflection of our rootedness in God while at the Sacred Heart Novitiate last March 20-22, 2023.
In the lush rolling hills of Novaliches that is now fast disappearing are 23 hectares of pastureland and mini forests inside the Sacred Heart Novitiate of the Society of Jesus. Thank God it had opened anew its doors to retreatants like me wishing to have a "vacare Deo" or vacation in the Lord.
A retreat or a vacare Deo is a return to our roots, God. While preparing for the formal start of my retreat last March 20, I felt the roots of the many trees speaking to me in this Bethel of mine where like Jacob in Genesis 28:10-19, I met God. Sometimes, I wrestled with Him like Jacob too in Peniel/Penuel (Gen. 32:23-33).
How interesting the words "true" and "truth" along with its cousin "trust" came from the old English "treowe" for tree.
According to experts, the Anglo-Saxons worshipped trees they called "treowe" because they evoked firmness and solidness; the more rooted is the tree, the more firm does it stand. Like truth.
Whatever that is true, firmly standing like a tree or treowe always has extensive network of roots, creating linkages and interconnections from which came that image of the "family tree".
When there are interconnections, linkages, there are relationships. People with the most wonderful relationships are also the truthful ones because they are trustworthy. Reliable. Like God. Our root. Our rootedness who connects us with everyone.
When we are rooted and grounded in God, nothing can ever disturb us like a big, big, tree. We can withstand all storm, bear the sun's heat remaining firm and aglow with God's majesty in daytime and in darkness. Lovelier than the tree, thank God for creating me. Hallelujah!
