May 6 – The Wisdom of the Bottlebrush

Seek first God’s reign, and God’s justice, and all these things will be given to you besides. (Matthew 6:33)

The vibrant bottlebrush tree, a beloved sight in our gardens, teaches us a valuable lesson about seeking the Divine above all else. As the bottlebrush grows, it reaches toward the sun, its brilliant red flowers a testament to its unwavering focus. The tree’s growth is not haphazard, but rather a purposeful striving towards the source of light and life.

In the spirit of Franciscan spirituality, we are called to emulate the bottlebrush, making the pursuit of God’s reign and justice our primary focus. By aligning our lives with the Divine will, we trust that all our needs will be met, and our paths will be guided towards greater purpose and fulfilment. As we seek first the kingdom of God, we discover that the challenges and concerns of our lives fall into their proper perspective, and we find peace in the assurance of the Divine presence.

Reflection:
1. In what ways am I distracted from seeking God’s reign and justice in my life?

2. How can I realign my priorities to better reflect the values of the Divine kingdom, trusting that my needs will be met as I pursue this higher purpose?

Prayer:

Gracious God, help me to seek your reign and justice above all else. Like the bottlebrush tree, may I grow towards your light, trusting in your providence and care. Grant me the wisdom to align my life with your will, knowing that in doing so, I will find the peace and fulfilment that only you can provide.