Wisdom of the Bee: December 2013

Let us learn of Jesus to be sweet and humble of heart
and we will find rest for our soul.

Let us be docile children of the celestial beehive:
it supports and sustains us.

Work is pleasing to God.

The bee is more honoured than other animals,

not because she labors,

but because she labors for others.

~ St. John Chrysostom

Mary's Garden

She will find her God.

In the title and caption, printed on the verso of this holy card,

is the truth we hold today and forever:

In Mary's Garden we find our God.

Wisdom of the Bee is a collection of European holy cards from the late 1800's and one from the mid 20th century in which the image of the bee, the hive, or honey was central.
Traditionally in Christian art the hive symbolized the Church, while bees symbolized the Christians and their work. As metaphor, honey was less a symbol than a mystical understanding of the reception of the life of Christ especially during the celebration of the Eucharist.
I found it deeply meaningful that at Morning Mass on the day after I'd begun to assemble this page, Fr. Lawrence, our beloved Salesian priest, looked to the saints to remind us that our words within us grow still as we receive Our Lord: He descends into our heart like a drop of honey, and ~ filled with all sweetness ~ we can but delight in His Presence.

This winter, our neighbor, Joanie discovered a swarm of bees in search of shelter. She and her husband brought them home to their wooded hillsided, provided a hive and water and tenderly cared for them. By springtime the colony was thriving, and this summer there will be a celebration with family and friends. This family, working in love and harmony with these creatures and their Creator, has brought a gentle happiness to our little corner of the world. I gathered this collection together to express my wonder, my gratitude, and my love.

Maintained by Holy Card Heaven

Wisdom of the Bee

Video of the life at Redwoods Monastery ( beekeepers )

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