April 25 – Seeds of Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with such peace and joy in your faith, that you may be filled with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

In the bush, the tiny seeds of the grevillea lay dormant, patiently awaiting the right conditions to spring to life. These seeds, though small, contain within them the potential for great beauty and resilience. In the same way, Franciscan spirituality teaches us to find joy and peace in the simplicity of nature, recognising the presence of the Divine in all creation. Romans 15:13 reminds us that the God of hope can fill us with peace and joy in our faith, just as the Holy Spirit fills the grevillea seed with the power to transform into a vibrant shrub. By opening our hearts to this divine hope, we too can undergo a transformation, finding strength and renewal even in the face of life’s challenges.

Reflection:

In what ways can I open myself to the peace and joy that comes from trusting in God’s hope, even in difficult times?

How can I nurture the seeds of faith within me, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me with the power of hope and transformation?

Prayer:

Loving God, fill my heart with the peace and joy that comes from placing my faith in you. Help me to trust in the power of your hope, and to recognise the potential for growth and transformation within me, guided by the Holy Spirit.