The banksia, unlike many other Australian native plant species, is not destroyed by bushfires. In fact, the fire’s extreme heat and smoke helps it regenerate. The heat, as well as the chemicals from the smoke and ash, trigger the opening of the banksia’s woody seed cases which releases the seeds within. These seeds are dispersed and subsequently germinate in rich soil.

It is also significant to note that, in addition to its fire-resistant properties, the banksia trees are an important life-nourishing habitat for threatened species, such as black cockatoos, chuditch and western ringtail possums. The banksia’s surprising impetus for growth and regeneration offer valuable insights for our own journeys through life.

A common thread running through this week’s readings is God’s invitation to us to grow into the fullness of life. In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah describes those who trust in the Lord as being: “like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream … its leaves stay green.” The psalm describes the one whose delight is in the law as being like: “a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.”

The second reading speaks of Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of ours. Our gospel reading reminds us that we shall be filled, nourished, satisfied, and brimming with joy, whatever adversities we might face.

While it may be easy to respond positively to continual growth when life is going well, it is often difficult to remain hopeful when we encounter life’s crushing experiences. How do we continue to tap into God, the source of our lives, when hope seems lost or destroyed in life’s bushfires?

Benedictine mystic Hildegard of Bingen used the term “viriditas,” meaning God’s greening power, to describe the divine life force. She explained that, deep within nature, there is the innate potential to grow towards the fullness of life, as well as a capacity for healing and wholeness. God invites us to open ourselves to this divine capacity each day. To be closed to growth is to be closed to God, the source of our life.

Jesus reminds us that “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Our capacity to heal, recover and grow, lies deep within each of us, although sometimes hidden from our eyes. Those who have experienced a major illness or other devastating experiences will appreciate this.

Iconographer Robert Lenz OFM explained that, when we try continually to keep moving towards God, even if we should fall, we fall towards God or even into God. Indeed, we are not defined by our failures and setbacks, but by our capacity for growth and greening, even when we fail.

In ordinary time, the liturgical colour, green, symbolises growth and hope. It reminds us of God’s greening power. Amidst the ordinariness, the setbacks and the struggles of our daily lives, let us look towards God and to each other to remind us to continually be open to God. Within him, we are always evergreen.

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Sophie Clements

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