It appears that the image of a Garden plays an important role in Christian theology, in the life of Christ Jesus, and in our lives.  In Christ Jesus’ life, many important events took place in a garden.

Of course, the first chapter of Genesis starts with the creation story.  In Genesis 2:15, we read, “So the Lord God took the man whom He had made and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” In the Garden of Eden, everything lived in harmony with God and with each other living thing.  Everything, including humans, came into existence from the Love and Essence of God.  

Of course, we all know the story of Adam and Eve, our ancestors, deciding to make choices which resulted in some significant consequences.  As a result of those choices, the Lord God said to Adam:  “All your life, you will struggle to scratch a living from the ground.”   (Genesis 3:17).   “Therefore, the Lord God sent them away from the Garden of Eden.’  (Genesis 3:23).

Most translations of the Bible depict Jesus as talking frequently about the concept of the Kingdom of God.  

Perhaps, the Garden could be another image for the term “Kingdom of God.”

Just like the Prodigal Son leaving his father’s farm, we have chosen to leave the Garden.

Maybe, one of the main desires and intentions of Christ Jesus, was to teach us how to return to the Garden. Christ Jesus wants us to come to our senses, as the Prodigal Son did, and to return to our Heavenly Father in the Garden.  There, we are welcomed home, offered forgiveness and acceptance, and surrounded by the Love of God.

Is it time for you to return to the Garden, which is an image of living in the eternal Presence, Forgiveness, and Love of the Father?

In the Garden, we hear Christ Jesus’ words: “This is My commandment:  Love each other in the same way in which I have loved you.”  (John 15:12).  

-This reflection was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by Dr. Floyd L. Covey, Sr., D.D.;  Th.D.;  Ph. D.;  C. Carm. of C.T.P.;  O.SS.T. –  Bishop / Priest / Psychologist / Monk / Wisdom Guide / Anam Chara (Soul Friend).