Episode 2046: Divine Providence: The Legend of the Three Trees

Walt: Welcome to CatholicReboot, where we explore timeless stories, teachings, and wisdom from the Catholic tradition. I'm your host, Walt, and today we bring you a beloved Catholic folk tale known as "The Legend of the Three Trees." Presented by Sharon. This story has been cherished for generations for its profound message of faith, purpose, and divine providence.
Sharon: Hello, everyone. I heard this story in church. It beautifully tells a story of divine providence and shows how God’s will for our life is far better than we can even imagine. Now, it is just a fable passed down through generations, but it is still relevant today.
Walt: Can you tell the story of The Legend of the Three Trees?
Sharon: I would love to!
Once upon a time, on a quiet hillside, three pine trees stood tall, each dreaming of a grand destiny. The first pine tree aspired to become a magnificent treasure chest, adorned with jewels and gold. The second pine tree longed to be fashioned into a mighty ship, sailing the vast oceans with kings and queens aboard. And the third pine tree simply desired to grow tall and point people towards God, seeking a noble purpose.
As time passed, the trees grew strong, their dreams still vivid in their hearts. Until one day, woodcutters arrived, ready to cut down the trees and shape them into various forms. The first pine tree was humbled when it was transformed into a simple feeding trough, not the splendid treasure chest it had envisioned. The second pine tree felt a pang of disappointment as it became a modest fishing boat, far from the majestic ship it had hoped to be.
But it was the fate of the third pine tree that puzzled it the most. It was cut into beams and left among a pile of lumber, seemingly forgotten and without purpose. Yet, as the story unfolds, we see that each tree was chosen for a divine plan far greater than their own dreams.
The feeding trough, crafted from the first pine tree, cradled the newborn Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem. The tree realized that it held the greatest treasure of all the Savior of the world.
The fishing boat, made from the second pine tree, became the vessel that carried Jesus and his disciples across the Sea of Galilee, spreading His teachings to the far corners of the earth.
And the beams from the third pine tree were assembled into a cross. At first horrified, the tree came to understand that it was chosen for the most sacred of purposes to bear the weight of Christ's sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
In the end, all three trees realized that their dreams had been fulfilled in ways they never could have imagined. They had played a vital role in God's plan, demonstrating the power of faith, humility, and divine providence.
As we reflect on the story of the three trees, let us remember that God's plans for us may not always align with our own ambitions. Yet, in His wisdom, He leads us to fulfill our true purpose and brings about greater blessings than we could ever envision.
Walt: As we reflect on the story of the three trees, do you mind if I pulled a great saint into this as well? The words of St. Teresa of Ávila, who reminds us that "All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted." Just like these trees, our true fulfillment and purpose come from being deeply rooted in God's grace and His divine plan for us.
Sharon do you mind breaking St Teresa’s quote down in comparison to the story of the three pines?
Sharon: Sure. In addition, St Aquinas the great philosopher and theologian, saw God’s law reflected in the world (natural law) and it is revealed through scripture and tradition which is the divine law. St Augustine believed we were created by God and have an innate desire for Him. This desire for God is the root of our restlessness and yearning for something beyond ourselves.
Soul's Roots and Planting: St. Teresa of Ávila speaks metaphorically about the soul having roots and being planted. In Catholic theology, the soul is understood as the spiritual essence of a person, created by God and endowed with intellect and free will. The metaphor of roots and planting suggests that the soul has a foundational source or origin, which is God Himself. This aligns with the Catholic belief that God is the creator and sustainer of all life, and that the soul finds its true fulfillment and nourishment in Him.
All Things Must Come: St. Teresa emphasizes that all things must come to the soul from its roots. This implies that the soul's ultimate source of nourishment, growth, and fulfillment is found in its relationship with God. In a traditional Catholic perspective, this underscores the importance of seeking God as the primary source of grace, wisdom, and spiritual nourishment. Through prayer, sacraments, and a life of virtue, Catholics strive to deepen their union with God and allow His grace to transform their souls.
Rootedness in God: St. Teresa's words remind Catholics of the importance of being firmly rooted in God through faith and prayer. Just as a tree draws nourishment and strength from its roots, so too does the soul find sustenance and strength in its connection to God. This echoes the biblical imagery of the righteous person being like a tree planted by streams of water, whose leaf does not wither (Psalm 1:3). In Catholic spirituality, cultivating a deep interior life rooted in God is essential for spiritual growth and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Divine Providence and Guidance: St. Teresa's quote also suggests a trust in God's providential care and guidance. As the soul remains rooted in God, it can trust that He will provide everything it needs for its spiritual journey and growth. This aligns with the Catholic belief in divine providence, the idea that God lovingly guides and sustains His creation, leading souls towards their ultimate fulfillment in Him.

Overall, St. Teresa of Ávila's quote reminds Catholics of the importance of seeking God has the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment, growth, and fulfillment, and of trusting in His providential care and guidance for the soul's journey towards union with Him
I would just like to add that I see the trees being humbled in this story. They were made into practical yet lesser things than they dreamed of being. I think we can all relate to that, right. So, be happy where God has put you in life. Although some of us do menial work like serving others or raising children who depend on us for every need…we all have a purpose. Learn from your state in life, teach the younger generation everyone has a purpose, in the end, we are doing nothing else but serving God. Do everything as if you were doing it for God. We never know where he will take us next. We never know who we are influencing.
Walt: Very Good. Can you take us out with a prayer?
Sharon: Can I use a prayer from St Francis in his “Canticle of the Sun”?
"Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness. Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful."
Walt: Thank you for joining us for this episode, we hope you've been inspired by the timeless wisdom of this beloved folk tale and St Teresa. Until next time as we continue to explore the richness of our Catholic teachings and traditions, May God bless you and keep you in His loving care. Now go out there and convert somebody. Good Day!