Plants of the Bible

While away on vacation, I had the opportunity to take in the vast array of exotic vegetation that the deep South has to offer. Two such examples are the Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis), and the Strangler Fig tree (Ficus aurea). The Strangler Fig and the Banyan make their way through life in similar fashion. Seedlings embed themselves in the bark of a host tree, (I saw palm trees as being the most popular). The seeds sprout and begin their quest for nutrients and light, wrapping their roots around the host, surrounding its bark. Eventually the host tree is completely engulfed and may die. The Palm tree’s growth, however, is straight, with no side branches. It’s new growth occurs at the top, minimizing the impact of the Strangler Fig. The palm tree somehow survives the journey through life. I think we can apply this concept to our daily struggle with the stranglehold that sin can have on us. It can surround us, threatening to impede our journey to the Light. We can learn a lesson from the Palm tree and the Strangler Fig. If we continue to reach out to God, strengthening our faith through the sacraments, then we can fortify and nurture ourselves, allowing no side routes to impede our journey to the Light. We will grow sturdy, strong, and tall on our path to the Kingdom.

The Parish Musician

With Ginny Ambrose on vacation, the parish staff thought this a good opportunity to “sneak” into the music column a tribute to our dear and dedicated musician who for 37 years has served the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Thank you, Ginny for your talent, generosity and joy!

The Parish Musician

Blessed are you who sing psalms,

for you have words to call on the Lord.

Blessed are you who play instruments,

for you will hear God in gentle rubato and great sforzando.

Blessed are you who compose, for you are like the prophet,

explaining the mysteries of God.

Blessed are you who teach,

for you are passing on the prayer of music to others.

Blessed are you who practice diligently,

for you know the peace of being prepared.

Blessed are you who give up holidays and weekends for the liturgy,

for you shall inherit understanding family and friends.

Blessed are you who work for church wages,

for you will know other riches.

Blessed are you who deal with many and different

personalities in the parish and ensembles,

for you shall inherit serenity and tact.

Blessed are you who help others to mourn through funerals,

for you will inherit a great understanding of joy and hope in the resurrection.

Blessed are you who work with weddings,

for your reward will be great in heaven.

- Sunday Word for Pastoral Musicians

Ordinary Time 16

The following hymn reminds us of our constant need to sew the seeds of mercy. May it be our constant prayer.

Forgive us, Christ, the stony heart,

The callous blinded eye,

The careless deed, the heedless word,

That causes love to die.

Forgive the bitter, biting, thought,

The unforgiving mind,

The cherished memory of hurt

That makes the tongue unkind.

Forgive us when we rend anew

Your flesh once crucified

To make divided peoples one

Where, risen, you abide.

Forgive us as You once forgave

The crown, the scourge, the nails,

Though we forget Your wounded heart

Whose mercy never fails!

Biblical Flowers

Recently, my husband John and I have been doing some work on our water garden area. Our backyard houses a pond and a bog, which are connected by a small stream. Ten years ago, when the pond was dug, we thought it would be a wonderful idea to plant some cattails. What we did not know at the time was that while cattails are interesting and provide sanctuary for fish, they can prove to be quite invasive. So, after 10 years, we are faced with the task of having to replace the pond and plant a new smaller variety of cattails (dwarf variety).

In keeping with the summer theme of "biblical flowers," I thought I'd include cattails this week in this column. Known as "reeds‟ they are mentioned much in the Bible -- “...its canals will become foul, and the branches of Egypt’s Nile will diminish and dry up, reeds {cattails} and rushes will rot away” (Isaiah 19:6).

Cattails are found along highways, in marshes and bogs, and spread by way of rhizomes (like roots) beneath the muddy surface. "Flowers‟ develop beneath leafy sheaths, which eventually peel off in spring, revealing the brown part most of us are used to seeing. It is this brown part which contains many seeds, and give the plant its interesting shape. Dwarf cattails can be an interesting addition to a biblical water garden!

Biblical Gardens

During this season of summer, I’ve decided to suspend writing about music, and devote this column to writing about one of my other favorite subjects -- flowers. I’ve visited many beautiful cottage gardens as well as formal gardens, but none proved as interesting as a trip to the Biblical Botanical Garden in Pittsburgh’s Oakland area. There, tucked among the trees adjacent to the Rodef Shalom Synagogue on Fifth Avenue, is one of the most complete biblical botanical gardens I’ve ever seen.

Established in 1987, there are over 100 plants - all labeled with their biblical references as well as their botanical names. There are fig trees, olive trees, and cedar trees, as well as a cherished Frankinsence plant brought over from the Holy Land.

The Frankincense plant (Boswellia sacra) is quite rare here, and difficult to grow. Frankincense is obtained by cutting into the bark of the tree. The tree sap oozes out and hardens. It is that hardened resin that is the frankincense, famous for its healing properties. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were among the gifts to Jesus by the Magi "from out of the East" (Matthew 2:10).

The Biblical Botanical Garden isopen to the public Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Tours are offered the first Wednesday of the month at 12:15 PM. No reservations are required.