The author, Bence Slezák. Photo: private
For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry? Luke 23:31
I went outside and asked a tree when the world would end.
I looked at her dry branches, and I was afraid she wouldn't give me an answer that would reassure my worried heart.
And sometimes this is all I worry about.
Endings.
Especially those I'm involved in.
I don't want things to end - I'd like to care about my long-lost friendships, my family in need, my nation broken apart, my neighbor, and myself.
I really do want to.
But I think I didn't learn properly how to do so. We live in an age, where our heritage is more about dealing with the past's mistakes than maybe ever before.
As time passes and I grow in power, I have more and more opportunities to help and change the world. But the more power I have, the more I see my borders, and I become numb. All my resources go into worrying about not being enough for the challenges of today. It is easy to forget about my responsibility.
As a result of this, sometimes reality just bursts to me in a shape I wouldn't expect. Like a tree with its branches withering away.
These times, I have to pause and let the moment affect me.
This is maybe one of those moments.
How are you feeling?
I may not hear your answer but respond anyway, if you wish. I would like to give you some space. Space to be.
There is so much to see in you, beloved child of God. You are a good, fruitful tree. I can see you glowing green.
You shouldn't be ignored. You matter. Just like everything living in this beautiful place, we call Earth. Even the Earth is worth asking.
Have you ever asked Earth anything?
Creation is precious - and we should remember that every day.
Bence Slezák
The image of Jesus Christ on the calvary reminds me all the unasked questions I have. And when Jesus asks:
For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?
It reminds me that we should never ever let any of this vividness die.
The world is still green. Tomorrow it might be dry.
Creation is precious - and we should remember that every day.
So, I went outside and asked a tree when will the world end.
She answered.
When I looked down, I saw life itself in the form of five green twigs. Even though the tree was dry, and its’ branches were cut, she still had enough life in herself to create new saplings.
Resurrection.
This tree believes there is life, even when it seems like death will have the final word. I believe it too.
Where do you see drying leaves in the world?
This post is part of the monthly LWF Youth theological series called “Global Faith Unfiltered.” It features reflections from young theologians on the most pressing issues and topics across their communities, from a perspective of the priorities highlighted at the 2023 LWF Assembly.
