The Tree of Life’ by Dr Miriam-Rose

The yam at the base of the cross represents Jesus’ body.

The tree in the middle represents the Aboriginal people.

Our Catholic community in the Diocese of Wollongong are a people who meet, deeply listen, discern, journey, accompany, become aware, transform, and act as bearers of Christ’s love.

As Jesus accompanies us on our journey this Lent, let us:

• slow to his pace
• listen more deliberately
• discern habitually  
• expect confidently to be transformed
• gather and break bread joyously
• act with intent for justice and peace

May we shadow Him with a deliberate focus on the slow, measured, careful movements of the Artisan of Peace.

"My people are not threatened by silence. They are completely at home in it. They have lived for thousands of years with Nature's quietness. My people today, recognise and experience in this quietness, the great Life-Giving Spirit, the Father of us all. It is easy for me to experience God's presence. When I am out hunting, when I am in the bush, among the trees, on a hill or by a billabong; these are the times when I can simply be in God's presence. My people have been so aware of Nature. It is natural that we will feel close to the Creator.” (Dr Miriam Rose).

As Jesus moves into the desert, he is not threatened by silence either. The deep, quiet spirituality of our indigenous brothers and sisters was shared by Jesus. He spent 40 days just ’being’ with his father in silence, finding, not escaping, deeply listening, in nature, our common home.

Dr Miriam Rose, as a River person in monsoonal northern Australia, reflects that - “When the wet season sets in and the rain comes, the tree grows and blossoms.”

The thriving of trees following the dry season is triggered by the rains which are sensed by the root system. This sensing is a tactile type of ‘listening’ which is more intimate than contactless hearing via sound.

During Jesus’ life, his deep listening was more akin to this profound listening practised by nature which demands ‘contact’ to be effective. His constant, deliberate connection with people in all his loving interactions drew out their dignity as he worked to restore the kingdom. By being totally present and immersed in every encounter with his Father, others, and nature he ‘listened’ with his whole being - always deliberate, always expressing his love.  

This week as we focus on DEEP LISTENING, we stop, connect, and open up to God, others and nature…

• Identify a 10-minute period every day for the next 7 days for your practice; place it in your diary and commit to it
• Identify any favourite part of the Gospel where Jesus was deeply listening
• Read the parable every day, write down a word, phrase, or insight that comes to you each day

Challenge – During this week, deliberately practice deep listening to someone you may not have ever truly listened to.