Scripture
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.—Isaiah 35:1–2
 Reflection
The spiraling journey up the Temple worshiper’s path now leads us to a
particular type of beauty: Ikebana, a Japanese arrangement of flowers that
is created intentionally to represent the coming together of heaven and
earth. It is a garden of sorts.
It is very appropriate that our Lenten journey, which began in the
wilderness, starts to blossom as we move closer to the events of Holy
Week. What does it mean for flowers to bloom in the desert? What might it
mean for us to bloom with spiritual maturity in the wilderness that, at
times, makes up our lives?
The marvel is that we do not just behold beauty. We are called to
be beauty and thus become the conduits through which the Divine can
spiral beauty back into the world. It is in this way that we become a
transparency of the face of God.—Velma Ruch, Summoned
to Pilgrimage: The Temple as Focus of a Pilgrim People, 117.
We are part of God’s great and marvelous works. On this final day
before the beginning of World Conference, we take our place as disciples,
“inspired by the life and witness of the Redeemer of the world” (Doctrine
and Covenants 156:5e). We are beauty. Wherever we are, wherever we go, the
peace of Jesus Christ is there.
Action
Go for a walk in a garden, if available. If not, visit a florist shop.
As you appreciate the beauty, consider your life as a beautiful reflection
of Christ to the world. As a world church, how might the coming World
Conference resemble a collection of beautiful flowers? At the conclusion
of your reflection, assemble or purchase a beautiful bouquet to remind you
of the marvelous potential in the coming week to discern and share
Christ’s Peace.
Prayer
Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord of hosts, almighty One!
Earth and firmament speak thy praise, Thy name is written in the sun.
Thou hast fashioned with thine own hand The earth below, the heavens
above;
Oh, how wonderful is thy power, And yet how tender is thy love.
O thou infinite, living God, Upon us now thy Spirit pour;
We would worship thee, laud and praise Thy holy name forever more.
Sing of his mighty love, for it is wonderful;
Let his praise through all the earth resound;
Honor and majesty now and forever be
Unto God whose love and mercy have no bound. Amen.
—Charlotte G. Homer, Hymns of the Saints, 48
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