Luke 12:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of them.’ This statement holds true: both in lilies and in other blossoms found in the fields, the vibrancy of their hues presents an astonishing beauty, reflected in both the diversity of colors and their striking arrangements, as they flourish in their natural purple or radiate with other magnificent shades. However, any attempt by human artistry to replicate this beauty, whether through skilled painting or intricate embroidery, ultimately fails to capture the essence; even if it is deemed a masterpiece, it barely approaches reality. If such artistic representations are so far inferior to the splendor of the lily and the exquisite colors of other flowers, is it not evident that even Solomon, a king of remarkable grandeur, was not adorned as beautifully as one of them? Thus, our efforts to pursue fine garments are in vain.

One can understand that a rational being will never experience want if they rely on God and remain steadfast in faith, confident in His divine favor.

Let us reflect on this more profoundly, for there is purpose in comparing the flower to humanity or even placing it above men, including Solomon, who achieved much—he constructed a visible temple for God and symbolically portrayed the Church of Christ. It is fitting to interpret the pure whiteness of the lily as representing the glory of heavenly angels, who truly serve as the blossoms of this world, beautifying it with their radiance and fragrant holiness. Through their intercession, we can proclaim, We are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved (2 Cor. 2:15). Free from earthly concerns and relieved from the weight of labor, they embody the grace of divine abundance and the gifts of a heavenly existence. It is beautifully remarked about Solomon that he was clothed in glory, as noted in another Gospel where it states that he was covered in splendid garments (see Matthew 6:29). For Solomon adorned his frail human nature with the magnificence of his deeds, as if enveloped with the virtues of the spirit. Yet, angels, whose essence is untouched by physical frailty and who draw closer to the divine, rightfully surpass even the most esteemed human. At the resurrection, humanity will be like angels in heaven (Mark 12:25), thus the Lord, who bestows glory upon the angels, cites them as an example and urges us to trust in the promise of divine glory within us, that our mortal existence may be swallowed up by everlasting life (2 Cor. 5:4), since this corruptible form must be clothed in incorruption and this mortal being must put on immortality (1 Cor. 15:53).

Many find the comparison to the lily especially fitting due to the inherent qualities of this flower and its manner of growth. Lilies do not require constant attention or annual care; unlike other plants, the labor of diligent cultivators does not need to be repeated cyclically. Regardless of how parched the fields may become, lilies thrive and flourish thanks to the life-giving essence contained within them. Even when the flower stems appear dried, the blooms themselves remain vibrant—this vitality is concealed yet not extinguished. As spring awakens, the lilies don their floral attire once more, appearing renewed. I recall having discussed this in greater depth elsewhere, so here it is sufficient to mention it briefly.

Notably, lilies do not blossom on rugged mountains or in untamed forests; they grow in gardens that bring joy. These are fruitful gardens of diverse virtues, as Scripture illustrates: A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a garden enclosed, a fountain sealed (Song 4:12). Here reside chastity, purity, reverence for God, faithful guardianship of secrets, the authority of angels, along with the violets of confessors, the lilies of virgins, and the roses of martyrs. Let none find it surprising to equate angels with lilies, for Christ Himself referred to Himself as a lily: I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys (Song 2:1). Christ is indeed a lily, for where the blood of martyrs flows, there resides Christ, the supremely pure and innocent flower without wounding thorns; instead, in Him shines radiant beauty. While roses bear thorns due to the pain endured by martyrs, the unassailable divine nature knows no thorns, remaining unscathed by suffering.

If the lilies resemble angels, they exceed human glory through their appearance, thus we ought not to lose hope in God's mercy toward us: at the resurrection, the Lord promises us a beauty akin to that of angels. The Lord also addresses the inquiry that the Apostle did not overlook, as those of this world question how the dead are raised and what kind of body they possess.

He encouraged them to pursue the treasures of heaven and the kingdom of God, urging them not to falter even if the fulfillment of this kingdom was not immediate. To further this teaching, He presented the parable of the servants who awaited their master's return, prepared to welcome him during the night’s watches, and the image of an uninvited guest unexpectedly breaking into the house, signifying the suddenness of the Lord's return in judgment.

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Consequently, there is no need to worry excessively about nourishment and garments. "But seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you." Additionally, the Savior provided words of comfort: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." These profound statements can be found in the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew 6.