April 30 – The Eternal Presence

“Before anything was created, Christ existed, and all things hold together in Christ.” (Colossians 1:17)

In the vast expanse of the outback, a seed lies dormant in the red earth, waiting for the perfect conditions to spring forth into life. This seed, a testament to the enduring presence of life in even the harshest environments, holds within it the memory of countless beginnings and the promise of future emergence. Just as Christ existed before anything was created, holding all things together, the seed carries within it the eternal essence of life, the divine spark that endures through the ages. Franciscan spirituality encourages us to recognise the sacred in the cyclical rhythms of nature, to find comfort in the knowledge that even in times of apparent barrenness, the potential for new life is always present. As we contemplate the seed’s patient endurance, we are reminded of Christ’s constant presence, the eternal foundation from which all beginnings and emergence flow.

Reflection:

1. In what ways can I draw strength and comfort from the knowledge of Christ’s eternal presence, even in times of uncertainty or hardship?

2. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in the divine foundation that underlies all of life, recognising the potential for new beginnings in every moment?

Prayer:

Eternal God, help me to rest in the assurance of your constant presence, and to trust in the sacred potential that dwells within all things.