The word radical has a negative connotation. However, the word ‘radical’ comes from the Latin word meaning “rooted”. For example, the vegetable Radish comes from the same word. Therefore, the word radical truly means to be rooted, almost to the point of stubborness, in something or someone. The seed of a tree is planted into the Earth and then roots itself deeply into the Earth. If the roots are too shallow, then the tree will be uplifted by the wind. The roots are what gather the water and nutrients from the soil. As Christians, we are called to be rooted in the Gospel so that we draw our life giving water and nutrients from God alone. Recall when Jesus said to the woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
As the seedling breaks the surface of the Earth, it grows upwards toward the sun. This is because plants require sunlight for photosynthesis. Likewise, the Christian requires the true Light of Christ for spiritual growth. Recall that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Where do you draw your water and sunlight from? Do you draw your energy from the Gospels and from God or from the distractions of this world? My prayer is that through humility you may become rooted in the Gospel, and sprout up towards the true Light of Christ.