Is my life like a tree with branches or without Branches

Gospel Thoughts

*Third Week : Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 4:26-34*

*First Reading - Heb 10:32-39*

*Is my life like a tree with branches or without Branches*

*1) Mustard tree with Large branches*

In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus makes a mention of the mustard tree with Large branches. 

This large branches were used by the birds of the air to dwell in its shade or to build nests in the branches 

So branches of the tree have a wonderful mission towards the nature. 

*2) Branch never says no to any creatures*

The branch is always keeps its branches open for either for the birds or to the other creatures to dwell in it 

The nature of the banch is always to extend support in different ways, may be giving shade, or helping the birds to build their nests, etc 

The open branches are the sign of warm welcome and it is the sign of the generosity of the tree. 

*3)Tree without a branch*

Imagine a tree without branches. 

First of all hardly we find trees with out any beaches 

Every tree for that matter has one or the other Branch

In fact branch gives the beauty to the tree and through the branches the tree becomes very attractive. 

In this context a tree without any branch becomes useless, because it can not give any shade, it can't give any shelter to the birds, and such trees are not attractive and not able to produce any fruit. 

*4) Tree with thorny branches* 

There are also trees with full of thorns. Such trees produce the branches, which are full of thorns 

If the branches are filled with the thorns, no bird can enter and make its nests

If the tree is surrounded with thorny branches no one can go near the tree and take rest under it. 

The very appearance of the thorny look makes people not to go near to   it, because of the danger involved in it 

Normally the thorny look of the branches is a scary look, which creates a kind of fear factor in our lives. 

*5) Life is like a tree with branches*

A tree with branches always appears good and it produces much fruit. 

We should make our life like a good tree with fruitful branches to yield much fruits. 

*6) The possible branches of our life*

Our life should have the following branches to produce much fruit. 

The tree of life with the branch of forgiveness

The tree of life with the branches of love, generosity, humility, compassion, gratitude, sacrifice, sincerity, trust, faithfulness, concern, care, service etc 

Life with these above branches will attract many people towards us and they learn many good things from it 

Life with these above branches will help us to live our life with Holiness and with Kingdom values 

*7) The Thorny branches of our life*

The following could be considered as the thorny branches of our life

Pride, arrogance, gossip, revenge, greed, selfishness, non cooperation, anger, etc 

These are equal to thorny branches which make our life miserable

*8) What are the branches of my life?*

This is a very important question to reflect about our own life 

Do I have the branches which are useful for me and for others? 

Or Do I have those thorny branches which creates a scary look and fear in others? 

*Think about this*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*