Monk and olive tree

A monk planted an olive tree and began to pray: "Lord, send my tree rain." And the Lord sent rain on the earth.

The tree was saturated with moisture, and the monk continued to pray: "And now, Lord, I ask you to send a lot of sun - my tree needs warmth." And the Lord sent the sun.

The tree kept growing. The monk went on praying for it: "Lord, send a little cold to strengthen the roots and branches." The Lord sent frost and ... the tree died.

The monk was very upset. He went to another monk to tell his story and share his sorrow.

"I also have an olive tree, look," replied another monk. His tree had grown well. "But I prayed differently, I told God that He is the Creator of this tree and therefre better knows what is needed for it." I simply asked God to take care of the tree, and He does it. "

This also applies to us. We often ask for what, in our opinion, we need. But only the Lord knows what we need. Trust Him completely!

Read also

New martyrs of the 20th century: Hieromartyr Damaskin of Hlukhiv

Bishop Damaskin (Tsedrik) of Hlukhiv was executed by firing squad in 1937. During his life, he was in opposition to Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky), yet he was canonized by the Church.

The OCU Project and the Union of Brest: What has been is what will be again

The OCU project – the involvement of the state, motives, and methods strongly resemble the Union of Brest of 1596. Its outcomes might also be similar. What could they be?

Why Kyiv Caves Lavra is called that and why we can't abandon this sanctity

Prayer vigils for the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra continue. What sanctuary do we want to preserve? What is its history? Which saints rest there?

New Martyrs of the 20th century: Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev

This man's life is a living testimony of Christ in situations where many would prefer to keep silent not to break the established order. His death is a worthy crown of such a life.

New Martyrs of the XX century: How it began and what it led to

The UOJ begins a series of publications on the New Martyrs of the 20th century. Given today's persecutions against the Church, their example is needed more than ever.

Expulsion of the Church from the Lavra: Striking Parallels with XX Century

There was once a military rehabilitation center in the Lavra. The persecution of the Lavra in XXI century mirrors the tragic history of the beginning of XX century.