Daisies “tell it like it is.” There is no pretense about them. They are a common plant, often overlooked in favor of more “showy” flowers. They can be found in peaceful meadows, along busy highways and even growing among tall weeds in vacant lots. But to truly appreciate a daisy, you must understand its simplicity. Each petal resembles a simple teardrop, opening at sunrise and closing at sunset. They do not need much to flourish - just soil, water, and sunlight. When a blossom is done, it wilts and drops, allowing energy to be channeled to the new blossoms. We too, can learn from the wisdom of the simple daisy. Trimming away the dead blossoms of our crowded lives can only serve to allow us more energy to concentrate on that which really matters. Consider the Gospel’s message this week: simplify and travel light!
The Garden Saints
St. Phocas (July 3), the patron saint of ornamental gardening, was a gardener and martyr who lived in Sinope, Turkey, on the coast of the Black Sea during the time of the Emperor Diocletian who ruled the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Phocas raised crops and aided Christians who were undergoing persecution. It is said that he was once visited by soldiers who were sent to execute him. Not knowing it was he whom they encountered, they accepted his hospitality. Phocas offered to help them find whom they were searching for in the morning. During the night, Phocas dug a grave knowing it would become his own very soon. When the soldiers awoke, Phocas revealed his true identity and accepted his fate. During his life, Phocas tilled the earth generously, feeding those less fortunate than he.
