Fr. Paul Mark reflects on the Broken Lemon Tree: We have one lemon tree in our citrus grove. It is not fair to say the lemon tree is neglected but it does seem a bit forlorn, not cared for as much as the orange and grapefruit trees. Often its limbs break due to a heavy crop of lemons or caused by a strong wind. I remember 40 years ago half the tree collapsed under the weight of the lemons it bore. The poor tree was a mess, but it healed the scar and kept growing.
Today I walked past and noticed another broken limb and I sighed. Poor tree, I thought to myself, another broken limb. Who needs another broken limb? Having broken my left shoulder over a year ago due to a fall I can commiserate with our lemon tree. I know how it feels.
What is amazing is that this lemon tree is over 50 years old. It was thriving in 1980 when I entered the monastery, and it continues to thrive. Every year it produces a generous crop of lemons, far too many for us monks to consume even when we make gallons of lemonade, which are readily drunk by thirsty monks.
What the lemon tree teaches me is perseverance and resilience. Despite broken limbs, the near complete destruction of the tree, or the frost that set it back when an Alberta clipper made it way through California in 1990, our lemon tree continues to grow, to thrive, to keep giving, to produce abundantly.
Oh, that I may be like that lemon tree, come what may. Give me strength Lord to trust in your all-powerful strength, care and love for me. May I hold to the hope that you Lord provide the growth, the healing, the life, and the fruit in my life.
Blessings,
Your brother of New Clairvaux
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