The Significane of Oilve tree in the Bible

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - 3rd Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mk 12:28-34*

*First Reading :  Hos 14:2-10*

*The Significane of Oilve tree in the Bible*

*1) Olive Tree in Today's Liturgy*

The first reading of the day, from the book of Hosea speaks about the Splender of Israel like the Olive tree

In fact in Bible, Olive tree is mentioned many times. 

As one of the most highly valued and useful trees known to the ancient Jews, the olive tree is significant for several reasons in the Bible.

*2) It's a symbol of Peace and Reconciliation*

The olive tree and olive branch have been symbols of peace and reconciliation ever since the account of Noah’s flood. When the dove brought Noah “a plucked olive leaf in its beak,” the olive branch represented new life sprouting on the earth (Genesis 8:11).

*3) The Symbol of beauty and abundance*

The flowering olive tree is a symbol of beauty and abundance in the Bible. The tree’s fruitfulness and ability to thrive suggests the model of a righteous person (Psalm 52:8; Hosea 14:6), whose children are described as “vigorous young olive trees” (Psalm 128:3, NLT). 

*4) Olive oil is the Symbol of Holy Spirit*

Olive tree oil is symbolic of the anointing of the Holy Spirit

Olive oil was also used in the anointing and coronation of kings, making it an emblem of sovereignty.

*5) It is a symbol of Covenant Relationship*

God uses the imagery of an olive tree in Jeremiah 11:16–17 to remind His people of the covenant relationship He has with them. God’s people (the nation of Israel) are depicted as an olive tree and God as the farmer. 

*6) Olive Tree and the Gentiles*

The Gentiles, represented by the wild olive tree in Romans 11, have been grafted into the cultivated olive root. As a wild olive tree, their root was weak. Their branches were incapable of bearing fruit until they were grafted into the nourishing, life-sustaining root of the cultivated olive tree.

*7) The usefulness of Olive Tree*

olive trees were an essential source of food (Nehemiah 9:25), 

Used for lamp oil (Exodus 27:20), 

Used for medicine (Isaiah 1:6; Luke 10:34), 

Used for anointing oil (1 Samuel 10:1; 2 Kings 9:3)

Used for  sacrificial oil (Leviticus 2:4; Genesis 28:18), 

Wood for furniture (1 Kings 6:23, 31–33).

Our life should become like a olive tree

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*