The passiflora
incarnata was seen by missionaries in the New World
as a symbol of the passion of Christ and as a positive omen for their missionary
work. This photo was taken in the San
Francisco Botanical Garden
Holy Week brings the
transitions and changes in life to an astonishing focus. The passion of Christ,
even as a myth or story, reminds us that the daily cares, losses, joys are for
a short time. This too shall pass. One of the prayers in the Episcopal daily
office asks that “we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life”
find comfort in knowing that ultimately there is “changlessness”. This theme is
central to many of the major religious traditions…in fact, seems as much Buddhist as
Episcopalian!
It is thrilling to see each
bud, each flowering tree showing newness, but still much like I remember from
years past when observing the same plants in my garden. Seems like a window into “changelessness”.
May both the Easter season and the transition from winter bring comfort and
even joy in rebirth.
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