Dear Parish Family,
Flowers mentioned in the Bible, are powerful symbols of love, faith, hope, purity and growth. As I looked at the pussy willow bush starting to bud, it reminded me of the beauty that God continues to surround us with. Our Easter lily’s here at St Mark were particularly filled with many blossoms and not only emanate the beauty, but also the fragrance. Lilies are often associated with purity and innocence in the Bible. Lilies represent the resurrection and new life. Scholars often interrupt crocus as a reference to roses. “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.” (Isiah 35:1-2) This transformation from the desert into a garden, represents God’s promise of hope and renewal.
You may have heard of myrtle, used in bouquets of the British Royal family, which represents love, fertility and innocence. From (Isaiah 55:13) Instead of the thorn shall come up a fir tree, and instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for name, for an everlasting sign that it shall not be cut off.” In the Bible it is also used to symbolize transformation from barren to fertile and prosperous, reflecting God’s promise of restoration and abundance.
The mustard seed begins very small and grows very large. Jesus uses it as a representation of how our faith can grow as we learn how God loves us, the works he plans for us and the plans He has for us. (Mathew 13:31) “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which man took and planted in his field.”
These flowers remind us of the close connection we have with nature and recognize the beauty and symbolism of what God teaches us.
May the garden in our hearts continue to grow through the grace of God.
Mary Jo