In Spain, acorns are a source of food for the ‘iberian’ pigs that are used to make the famed ‘Jamon de Bellota’ which means ‘acorn ham’.
Most importantly however is the fact that oak tree is important in providing a habitat for many species of insects, lichen and birds.
Beauty lies not only in the external but more so when the internal is pure and generous. Looking at this magnificent tree, I was limited to seeing its value by its physical features. Still very much influenced by the world, I am contented with valuing this tree based on its use and benefit, given its big trunk and lush leaves. When I began to read more about it, I am amazed that it gives more than what is seen. Like a coconut tree common to us in the Philippines, this entire tree gives its whole self for several uses. Why? How? The secret … the bigger it is, the deeper its roots, and the more grounded it is to its source of nourishment and as such, being true to its nature, it lives for centuries.
Jesus’ years of being a manual worker- a carpenter- in Nazareth were years of growing graciously in God’s eyes, unveiling his mission gradually in the process. After his strong and deep experience of the Father’s love which was confirmed in His Baptism, Jesus withdrew in the desert. Upon His return, He did not go back to His house, rather, He started His public life, a life of being for all that was cultivated in Nazareth.
“BE ALL FOR ALL” ... Bonifacia with a real and deep experience of a life of manual work since she was 15, began to be someone for others in her adult years by putting up a taller (shop) of her own. In the Taller, she welcomed young women who wanted to spend Sundays and holidays with her, converting it into a budding center of prevention for young working women. She is for them a friend and confidant, a true teacher of the spirit, directing them to find God in work.
Once the Congregation of the Siervas de San Jose was founded, Bonifacia placed herself at the service of the sisters in Salamanca with total generosity. Not even their imprudence and ingratitude were able to cool down her affection for them. While the sisters in Salamanca were turning their backs on her, she was collaborating towards the development of the Salmantine shop from Zamora. Her permanent attitude of service towards the poor girls as the apple of Bonifacia’s eye made her kindness known in Zamora, working untiringly to maintain and form them. Work, for Bonifacia was a form of service. When she pronounced the phrase “We all have to be for all”, following Jesus who came to serve and not to be served, she very well knew what service meant: Bonifacia was always first in rendering service and last to be recognized, which did not happen until after her death.
As the oak tree gives itself generously for other species to thrive, Bonifacia gave her whole self freely and willingly for the development of others especially women and youth at risk in good times and in bad times, without reservation, without exclusion.
Reflection: Is my relationship with God leading me to give myself to others willingly and generously? How free am I to give myself to God and others?
Meditation:
Matthew 5: 13-16 “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world... Your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5: 1-12a The Beatitudes... the blueprint of our life as Christians. ”Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is kingdom of heaven…”
2 Cor 8: 8 – 15 “ ... the genuineness of your love by your concern for others ... whoever had
much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less.”
2Cor 9: 6 – 8 “Consider this: whoever sows generously will also reap generously, and whoever
sows bountifully will also reap bountifully ...”
2Cor. 9: 11 -15 “You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us
produces thanksgiving to God ... “
