Jesus tells us that Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as exquisitely as the lilies of the field.  Jesus reminds us in times like these we should not worry or be anxious.  With all the trials and tribulations in this world it is tempting for us to worry about what we will eat and drink.  But God is not a passive watcher over the world nor our lives.  Jesus asks us to take pause to consider the lilies.

We can imagine Jesus walking with his disciples near the field of lilies.  The beautiful wildflowers that grow on the side of hills or in fields.  And he uses the moment to teach his followers about how close He is to His creation.  And He wants us to reconsider the amount of worry we put into what we will eat and wear tomorrow.  Jesus says look at the beauty of the lilies in the field.  And he exclaims, not even King Solomon was dressed in such fine clothing.  

 

We also know from 1 Kings 7:19 that the Temple that Solomon built for the Lord had two pillars at the front of it that were topped with lilies.  And so the reference to the beauty of the lilies has an additional spiritual meaning.  Just as Solomon’s Temple was headed by the lilies, so is the Body of Christ “headed” by the symbolic lily which is the Will of God.

We will easily become overwhelmed if we worry about money and work, and the toils of this world.  And Jesus reminds us to “consider the lilies” which neither do not labor or worry.  By being so close to the Lord they are magnificently beautiful and arrayed with the finest “clothing”.  And so it is for us if we trust in the Providence of God in our life.  

 

For further reflection, consider listening to “Lilies of the Field” by Father John Michael Talbot