Mural III
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The Question: Why do we believe? Answer: Faith. -
Why a tree? Faith
is the root of our journey with Christ. I see the tree as a metaphor
for the way our faith develops. Like seeds growing beneath the tree, our
faith is planted for us (in us) at creation. It is not something we ask
for; it is given. As the tree grows it becomes stronger, like our
faith. Often 2 olive trees will merge into one great tree, making it
even stronger, like a family. The olives, or fruit of the tree are
ripened and produce nourishment for us. We eat and share. Some of the
olives will drop on the ground or be carried away and become new trees.
The tree is a metaphor for the way our faith grows in the child, who
merges with others in his/her faith and shares the strength and love
with others. -
Why an olive tree? The
olive tree is a symbol of peace, wisdom, glory, fertility, power and
pureness in many religious/spiritual traditions going back to ancient
Greece. Olive trees are mentioned over 30 times in the Bible, in both
the New and Old Testaments. It is one of the first plants mentioned in
the Bible, and one of the most significant. It was an olive leaf that a
dove brought back to Noah. Did you know there are olive trees up to
2000 years old?
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