Ancient Olive Tree --possible site for
Garden of Gethsemane
Because Gethsemane means "Olive Press," scholars think it’s likely that the garden where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion was an Olive Grove.
Our guide told us that olive trees are long-lived. We’re talking 1500 – 2000 years. The one in the photo is about 1700 years old. The main trunk has died. You can see the old gnarled trunk held in place by stonework.
Note, however, the shoots coming up next to it. New trunks. It’s purpose continues.
Perhaps the olive tree is symbolic of Christianity – as early workers pass on, new people appear to carry on their purpose. The olive trees, old and new, continue producing wonderful olives.
Christianity, though, has become rather more complicated. Starting in 325 AD, Roman politics and men’s opinions began meddling with the original stock and in the process the trunks have grown further and further away from it.
Women’s original role as Jesus valued them has been diminished. Also, early writings excluded from the official canon, were labeled heresy and nearly destroyed.
Some of these branches have strange fruit – intolerance, arrogance, pride, conceit, small-mindedness, exclusiveness. Those who have had nothing else to eat, say they like the taste, but to outsiders, it can be unattractive.
Happily, it isn’t that hard to get back to the original stock. First, identify your God –most people can identify with a God who is infinite Love, unchanging Truth, the Mind of the universe, light, goodness.
And then honor this God’s creation with respect, appreciation, and care. Find common ground for unity and communication, and build on these. Help meet human needs where you see an opportunity.
These strong new trunks grow close to the original and bear the intended fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Looking to the original is helpful if we want to follow that example.
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