Holy Apostles Silas and Silvanus and those with them.
2 Corinthians 2:14-3:3. Matthew 23:23-28.
Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:3
Many years ago, during a pilgrimage to Rome, I visited the Vatican daily. The grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the serenity of the gardens provided a sanctuary for reflection and prayer. Wandering through the halls and terraces, I noticed little carvings of bumblebees scattered throughout. Initially puzzled, I soon realized that the humble and hardworking bumblebee has long been a Christian symbol.
Bees, brothers and sisters, are remarkable creatures. They are attracted to flowers, drawn to the beauty and sweetness that blooms in the world. They avoid the foul things, focusing instead on the nectar that sustains them and allows them to produce honey. This characteristic of bees offers a profound metaphor for our spiritual lives, resonating with the message in our epistle passage today from 2 Corinthians 2:14–3:3.
Paul speaks of spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere we go. We are to be the aroma of Christ, bringing the sweet scent of His love and truth to those around us. Just as bees are drawn to flowers, we too must be attracted to those things that bring us closer to Christ. We are called to seek out the beauty and goodness in the world, to focus on what is pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8).
The bumblebee’s diligent work also reminds us of our mission. Bees tirelessly gather nectar, contributing to the flourishing of their hive and the broader ecosystem. Similarly, we are called to labor in love, spreading the knowledge of Christ through our actions and words. This labor is not for our own gain but for the glory of God and the Church.
Furthermore, bees communicate with each other to lead their fellow bees to fields of flowers. Through a remarkable dance, they share the location of abundant sources of nectar, ensuring that the entire hive benefits. This communication is a powerful reminder of our role within the body of Christ. We are called to guide and support one another, leading each other to spiritual nourishment and growth. By sharing our experiences, insights, and the Word of God, we help each other find the beauty and sustenance that come from a closer walk with Christ.
Reflecting on my time in the Vatican, I see the bees as a constant reminder of this call. They challenge me to examine my own life: Am I drawn to the things that nourish my soul and bring me closer to Christ? Do I work diligently, spreading His fragrance in a world that desperately needs it? Do I guide others to the spiritual flowers that provide true nourishment?
Today, let us strive to embody the characteristics of the humble bumblebee, living lives that attract others to the beauty of Christ and spreading His sweet aroma wherever we go. Let us communicate and lead each other to the fields of spiritual nourishment, ensuring that our collective journey brings us all closer to the heart of God.