The Olive Tree

Eucalyptus And Olive Grove

“But I, like an olive tree in the house of God, trust in God's faithful love forever.” Psalms 52:10

Olive trees, ‘Olea europaea,’ are the oldest fruit trees and among the most important fruit trees in history. Most olive trees will live to be at least 500 years of age, and some are believed to be over a thousand years old. In ancient times, seedling olive trees required eight or more years of care before producing their firstfruits. They needed a peaceful environment in which to prosper. Once fully grown, they would be capable of withstanding droughts and high winds. Because of God’s presence, the sacred precincts of the temple become a source of life and fertility; in it, the trees had a peaceful and safe environment in which to bear fruit. Like those trees, the just can bask in God’s presence and grow in faith so that fruit may be born.

Prayer: “Be present to me so that I may be more fruitful.”