At a recent clergy gathering, our facilitator placed a vase of unopened tulips on the centre  of the table as a way to provide beauty and focus for our worship and study time. As the afternoon unfolded and as the sun began to set, we noticed that the tulips drooped lower and lower. Surprised that they were not showing signs of opening, we questioned our facilitator and learned that, in her haste, she had placed them in the vase without water. Someone quickly went off to find water for the tulips and we happily went off to supper. When we returned later that evening we were surprised to see that, rather than soaking up the water, the tulips drooped even lower. The reason was obvious to the gardeners in the room; because the stems had not been cut before adding the water, they had sealed themselves off. The water had no way in. Determined to allow these tulips to open, one of our colleagues found a knife and carefully cut their stems before leaving for the night. When we arrived in the morning, we were delighted to see that her care had been rewarded. The tulips had opened and were standing straighter in the vase.

On the drive home, I thought about these thirsty tulips and this became an interesting way for me to think about the spiritual journey through Lent. The word “Lent” comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “spring,” so perhaps the comparison of our lives with these spring flowers is even more appropriate than we realize. 

Like the season of spring, Lent is a time of transformation. It is a time when we are invited to open ourselves to new possibilities for growth and grace. It is about letting God into those places and spaces in our lives which need greater nourishment. It is about looking carefully at our lives to see where we have become like these tulip stems, closing ourselves off from what we need most. This kind of honest self-examination is what we mean by the word “repentance.” It is a word inviting us to consider what needs to change in our lives so that we might be more open to God’s grace and love and, therefore, more gracious and loving ourselves. 

This kind of opening up is at the heart of the Easter story, says Joyce Rupp in her book May I Have this Dance? Reminding us of the story of the open tomb and the messenger who tells the women visiting the tomb not to fear, she offers this comparison: “As their minds and hearts struggle to accept this tremendous surprise (that Jesus has risen from the dead) they are like gardens being readied for watering. The women open their hearts to the great announcement, receive the word of resurrection like thirsty soil and hurry away to share the marvelous news with others.”

As we near the end of our Lenten journey and prepare to walk with Jesus through the last week of his earthly life, may we take time in reflection and prayer, so that our hearts and minds may be opened. As we journey towards Easter, may we be nourished and strengthened by the riches of God’s grace. As we hear the story of the resurrection once again, may we recognize in it the promise of a God who walks with us on the journey – not only through life, but beyond life as we know it. May this be our hope and our faith. Alleluia! 

Blessings and peace, 
Sandra
The Rev’d Sandra Fyfe, Rector
Parish of Horton

“…you will be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never run dry.” Isaiah 58:11