April 29 – Emergence of the Divine

“Christ is the image of the unseen God and the firstborn of all creation,” (Colossians 1:15)

In the misty rainforests, a small green shoot emerges from the damp soil, pushing through the earth with a gentle yet determined force. This humble beginning holds within it the promise of new life, a reflection of the divine impulse that birthed all of creation. Just as Christ is the image of the unseen God, the firstborn of all creation, this tiny shoot embodies the sacred mystery of emergence, the unfolding of God’s love in the world. Franciscan spirituality invites us to recognise the divine presence in the small and seemingly insignificant, to marvel at the way life springs forth from even the most unlikely places. As we witness the shoot’s growth and transformation, we are reminded of the power of beginnings and the potential for Christ’s love to emerge anew in our own lives.

Reflection:

1. What new beginnings are emerging in my life, and how can I nurture them with the same tender care that God shows for all of creation?

2. How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of Christ’s presence in the world around me, recognising the divine in both the grand and the humble?

Prayer:

Creator God, help me to trust in the sacred potential of new beginnings, and to open my heart to the emergence of your love in all things.