Week of March 11, 2002
Diane S.

"I am the rose of Sharon,
and the lily of the valleys."
Song of Solomon 2:1

"A picture is worth a thousand words," goes the old saying. A symbol, though, is worth a thousand pictures. For a symbol is a composite of myriad images and untold layers of meaning drawn from ages past and worlds beyond, and distilled into a single shining point. Symbols appeal to our senses, inflame our hearts, and inspire our imaginations, linking body, soul, and spirit in one profound expression of thought and feeling.

In some of the most beloved and familiar passages of the Bible, Christ refers to himself symbolically, often comparing himself to the most basic and universal elements of the created world. The Apostle John in particular seemed intuitively aware of the significance of these sayings, as so many of them are recorded in the gospel that bears his name: "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14), "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever" (John 6:51), "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12), and "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." (John 15:5). Throughout its history, the Church, too, has known the power of symbols, which have always played an integral role in our worship services.

Though some symbols are specific to particular groups of people, many others are universal, understood by people across classes, cultures, continents, and generations. Such are the rose and the lily, which here refer to the coming Messiah. Throughout the history of art, music, and literature, these two are the most celebrated of flowers. Both are symbols of life, love, and beauty, the very essence of our Lord. In their finer meanings, however, they are complete opposites, and together give a full expression of His nature and purpose.

The rose is related to life on earth. This highly cherished plant blooms in the summer, taking time to build up nutrients from the soil, ripen slowly in the warmth of the sun, and spread out gradually across the land. The rose is often associated with the festival of Christmas, as it bears witness to the long preparation for the coming of Christ from the spiritual world into our earthly realm, and His willingness to participate fully in the lives of human beings. It expresses the depth of His love for us, and His sensitivity to our physical and emotional needs, as well as our spiritual longings.

Structurally, the rose is a complex plant, with compound leaves and many branches. The leaves are net-veined, like the human circulatory system, a connection reinforced by the color red of the ripened fruit and flowers. Just as red blood cells bring energy into the body and red paint enlivens a canvas, so the red rose breathes life and strength into the soul. The sharp thorns are suggestive of Christ's crown of thorns, reminding us that His love for us will ultimately require His sacrificial suffering and death. The blossoms are formed of many petals arranged in a spiral, some hidden from view and others unfolding in a display of incredible loveliness, a breathtaking revelation of the beauty of our Lord.

The lily, by contrast, is connected to life before birth and after death, and to a purer, spiritual love. It is the flower most often carved into gravestones, and most associated with Easter. Unlike the rose, the lily plant develops quickly, and blooms briefly in the spring, sustained by its own bulbous root, from which it springs up mysteriously, new life from that which appears dead and shriveled. The lily speaks of the brevity of Christ's earthly sojourn, and of true heavenly home, from which He came and to which He shall return. Meanwhile, He is nourished by His own inner forces, which are spiritual in nature, and wholly sufficient for His needs. The lily is the symbol of the Resurrection of our Lord, His victory over the forces of darkness, and His release from the sting of death.

Compared to the rose, the lily is a "simple" plant, with undivided leaves and a single stem. Its structure expresses the simplicity of Christ's message: all our complex legal and moral codes are fulfilled in a straightforward admonition to love God and love all people as ourselves. The leaves have smooth edges and parallel veins, pointing vertically upward, linking the earthly realm to the cosmos. The blossoms have yellow star-studded centers surrounded by six luminous white petals, reminiscent of the sun, moon, and stars. White reflects the purity of our Lord; in white is no darkness whatsoever, just a steady gleaming light, transforming all it touches, making all the colors shine.

Christ is our radiant Rose of Sharon and our dazzling Lily of the Valleys. In Him are Life, Love, and Beauty beyond imagining. From His Being streams forth Light resplendent, now and forever.

Praise be to God for the wonders of creation, which meets our needs on so many levels. Praise especially for the flowers, which over the years have warmed our hearts, soothed our souls, graced our homes and our churches, and enlivened our celebrations. During this Lenten season, may we be receptive to the message of the rose of Christmas past, and the lily of the Easter festival yet to come, for these delicate treasures hold so much meaning and majesty, and remind us of You. Amen

Contributed by Diane S.
Published Monday March 11, 2002
Week 15 of Liturgical Year A