Rooted and Built Up in Him Believers draw life, strength, and stability from their union with Christ. Like a tree planted by streams of water, they receive nourishment that enables endurance and fruitfulness (Psalm 1:3). Christ is also the only foundation upon which a life of lasting spiritual growth can stand; no other foundation can be laid (1 Corinthians 3:11). The Christian life rests not on human wisdom, religious effort, or cultural approval, but on the crucified and risen Lord (Colossians 2:7). Every time I read the above words from St. Paul, the image of being rooted in Christ stays with me for hours. It is a rich metaphor that offers endless room for meditation, especially when one struggles with distractions in prayer. Even when a person has a deep prayer life, there are days when the mind resembles a wasp's nest, filled with constant buzzing, agitation, and unease. This is normal. Intrusive thoughts can often be quietly released and allowed to pass, while at other times they may be pointing toward some wound within us that seeks healing and God's gentle attention. There are also days when we feel an aversion to prayer itself. During such times, the image of our souls being rooted in Christ Jesus can give us the courage to persevere. We begin to understand that prayer is sustained not by our strength or determination, but by grace. Just as the roots of a tree continue to draw nourishment from the soil even during storms and drought, our souls remain sustained by Christ even when we feel dry, distracted, or discouraged. Roots, to me, are works of art. I enjoy growing plants in water, and when new roots begin to appear, I am always fascinated by their beauty and complexity. They remind me that each of us is a unique creation of God, fashioned with a particular root system and nourished in ways known fully only to Him. Though our journeys differ, we draw our life from the same source. Perhaps that is one lesson hidden within St. Paul's image. The deeper our roots grow into Christ, the less we are shaken by the changing circumstances of life. Rooted in Him, we can weather seasons of doubt, dryness, loss, and confusion, trusting that beneath the surface God's grace is always at work, nourishing us, strengthening us, and drawing us ever closer to Himself. -Br-MD
And it is due, not only to our marvelous God, but to the lasting fruit provided through Christ and His Church via her sacraments.
