Being the tree for others

I recently came across a thoughtful reflection on the well known gospel story of Zacchaeus ... you know the one – the portly tax collector, despised by others, whose desperate desire to see Jesus as he passes through Jericho, sees him race to climb the sycamore tree. I must admit that even having heard the story hundreds of times, my understanding of the message of this well known story was still very much that of my childhood. By climbing the tree, Zacchaeus had strategically positioned himself for a life-changing encounter, an encounter that completely transformed his mission in the world. Without the sycamore, Zacchaeus wouldn't have been able to see Jesus.

The reflection however focussed not so much on the story, but on the question of why a sycamore tree? Elaborating on the properties of such a tree... it’s well known fruitfulness symbolising rejuvenation/regeneration, its imposing nature, its sturdy trunk and low-spreading branches, its resistance to pollution and salty soils, and its ability to stand up well in stormy weather... the story can in fact be seen as an invitation to consider how we can be a sycamore tree in the lives of others, calling us to be the tree for others to come and climb in order to see and discover Jesus. For us to be a sycamore tree in others’ lives our spiritual trunks need to be strong, and to be deeply rooted in faith, love and service.

We thank Mr Brendan Goswell as he finishes up next week. Brendan has  been that sycamore at SJPC for others, bearer of hope, love, joy and peace for our students and for our community allowing those around him to lean on him, sit quietly in his shade and climb to new heights in his branches allowing them too to see and encounter Jesus. Brendan has a long history with the school and will leave a hole in our faculty that will be hard to fill. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours and work at St Paul’s Kempsey. 

As we race to the end of the year with the inevitable goodbyes and endings it is easy to forget that we are approaching a beginning... the Advent season, which marks the ushering in of the new liturgical year, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the Incarnation. A time of spiritual rejuvenation and reflection, a time that represents the virtues of hope, love, joy and peace.

Peace and blessings for the coming season of Advent.