THE ART OF ABIDING

Guided by Her Eminence, Queen Abbess Dr. Patricia Hackshaw

Beloved, we often approach the Christian life as a series of tasks to be accomplished: pray, read, serve, witness. While these are vital, they can become a source of weariness if disconnected from their source. Jesus invites us into a different way of being, a relational dynamic that is the very heart of the spiritual life: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

Her Eminence, Queen Abbess Dr. Patricia Hackshaw, with profound spiritual insight, teaches that the key to a fruitful and sustainable life is not striving, but abiding. To abide is to dwell, to remain, to make our home in the conscious presence of Christ. It is a posture of receptive rest, where we allow His life to flow into us and through us, much as a branch draws sap from the vine. The branch does not strain to produce fruit; it simply abides, and fruitfulness is the natural outcome.

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PROCLAMATION

This art of abiding reorients our entire existence. Prayer becomes less about presenting a list and more about communion. Bible reading becomes less about acquiring information and more about encountering the Living Word. Service becomes less about our effort and more about an overflow of His love. The peace of His presence replaces the pressure to perform. Our primary calling is not to do for God, but to be with God, trusting that the doing will flow from that place of intimate connection.

Today, I encourage you to lay down the burden of striving. Come to the Vine. Rest in Him. Spend time simply enjoying His presence, without an agenda. Speak to Him from your heart and listen for His gentle voice. As you learn the art of abiding, you will discover a deep, sustaining joy and a fruitfulness that is both natural and supernatural. For it is not your work for Him, but His life in you, that bears fruit that will last.

Amen.