The within-ness of God in all that God creates bears witness to all of life being graced by God.
Yes, “graced” the active verb — God’s presence and action within every element of creation. I believe that the “everywhere and everywhen God” of Karl Rahner, who sees God as Grace, as Love, graces not only humans but creation as well.
And in turn, “the God within” graces others with a generous outpouring of self. Trees are a perfect example of this mutual exchange of grace, and they are not selective in their giving.
Graced communication
Did you know that trees communicate with other trees and plants? They read the landscape; they share their wisdom, warning each other of potential diseases that “the warned” actively mitigate against.
Studies have shown that they respond to their environment minute by minute, and many of us know the healing presence of trees in our lives. God’s graced presence in trees spills over to be a graced presence to all around them.
Treed landscapes help prevent erosion and the formation of wastelands, thereby “slowing the flow” of floodwaters. Trees cool our urban landscapes and filter contaminants, producing cleaner air for all to breathe.
Paschal grace
Considering the graced life of trees is a paschal analogy worth noting. Almost on the eve of Palm/Passion Sunday, the “Tale of Three Trees” comes to mind, an American folk tale, retold by Angela Elwell Hunt, that maps the original dreams of three trees to the incarnational, life, passion, death, and resurrection of the one through whom “all things came to be” (Jn 1:3).
It seems that the graced life of trees has been in the hearts and minds of people for a long time.
Paschal grace is evident in another experience of “A Story of a Tree“: an elm whose primary life was cut short by an infestation of elm beetles, running rampant due to climate change. This elm was transformed into beautiful sacred furnishings.
“The beauty of the timber in colour, texture, and fragrance was inspiring. The simple elegance of the shape created by this most generous master craftsman matched the natural beauty in the timber.
The design of the altar is three upward sweeping arms, giving the impression of branches holding up the offering on the altar, suggesting both Trinity and incarnation…
The tree lives on, assuming a new significance as people from all walks of life gather around the table to celebrate life and death, commitment, and hope in a God whose love and mercy are revealed in the beauty of creation.
The uplifting arms of the tree are a sign of hope and promise in a world so disfigured by “rot” is a symbol that will endure and hopefully continue to inspire…
Just beyond the sanctuary, where the altar stands, another Elm holds its branches to the sky, offering shade and shelter for all kinds of creatures, while we look on in awe and amazement, in gratitude for all the beauty of creation.”
- Dr Ann-Maree O’Bernie RSM is the Director of Adult Faith Formation and Lecturer in Systematic Theology at the Australian Institute of Theological Education.