Dearest pilgrims and Lenten adventurers,
As I mentioned in my homily on Sunday, my sister and I ventured to the Carefree/Cave Creek area of Arizona. We had the opportunity to take in a “desert bathing” hike on a two-mile loop at the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation.
The young guide was a native Arizonan. She shared her love for her state and the rich relationship the indigenous peoples (Yavapai) had with this land and its resources. She shared stories of the saguaro and other cacti, creosote trees, rock formations, and milkweed leaves covered with butterfly eggs.
Mother Tree
Towards the end of our two-mile hike we were introduced to Mother Tree. We had already walked through hundreds of saguaro…most more than twice my age. We were told that Mother Tree was well over 140 years old. We were invited to spend some time in conversation with her.
I thought of the peoples who found comfort in her shade or saw her from a distance, knowing there must be water nearby. She has witnessed copper mining, gold prospectors, travelers, adventurers, seekers, rainstorms, flooding, and drought.
The original town of Cave Creek washed away in 1905 when the Verde River flooded. I thanked Mother Tree for all she has given to her environment and for her many offspring that scatter both sides of the little creek that winds through the canyon.
My sister and I were so impressed by the tree and the area we brought our husbands out to walk a shorter loop to take in the history and beauty that surrounded us. As I reflected on Jesus’ time in the wilderness I wondered what trees, vegetation, and wildlife he encountered in those 40 days. I imagine there was a Mother Tree who reminded him to remain rooted in God and God’s word.
Surely the promise of ‘the world to be gained’ pales in comparison to the grandeur of the creatures and scenery that surrounded him. And then when Satan asked Jesus to bend in homage, I'm sure a radiant smile came to his face after his curt reply: “Do not put God to the test,” because he stood grounded in the earth, rooted in God, and enveloped by the multitude of fellow creations…siblings! Some green and leafy, others four-legged or winged.
As I spend time with Ruby today (the newly named Dogwood in my backyard), I pray that I and every one of us can embrace the humility needed to be one with our neighbors, be they people, plants, animals, or the very earth beneath our feet.
Fast from practices and activity that are death dealing to any and all of our siblings. Promote peace, harmony, and connectedness. Eat smaller portions and allow that twinge of hunger to unite you closer to the sufferings of the people in the Ukraine, or Afghanistan, the dying rainforests, or Oregon acres and creatures damaged by drought and fires. Make your whole 40-day journey a prayer of self-giving and of deep listening, just like Mother Tree lives every day.
--Director of Catholic Ministries Vinci Halbrook-Paterson
P.S. If you are planning to attend the Stations of the Cross retreat on Zoom on Sunday, March 13 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm, please reply on this form: https://forms.gle/pwTZV9swFjvhp9RD6. Thank you!