“God loves gardens”: this is a powerful metaphor drawing a parallel between divine action and the creation and care of gardens, using the Bible as the main source. We can draw significant parallels between this perspective, the concept of Mary’s Garden in Schoenstatt, and ecology, especially the ‘Ecology of the Resurrection’ mentioned in the title of this text.
1. God as the First Gardener and the Cultivation of Life:
God is the first gardener, creating Eden and subsequently “cultivating gardens everywhere.” This image highlights divine action as an act of care, order, and provider of an environment conducive to life.
In a similar way, the Garden of Mary in Schoenstatt invites each individual to be a “spiritual gardener” of their own heart. Just as God cultivates life in the world, we are called to cultivate virtues, prayers, and sacrifices and, through the Capital of Grace, offer them to Mary as “spiritual flowers.” Mary, in turn, acts as a channel of grace, helping in this inner cultivation.
Ecology, in its essence, is also concerned with the “cultivation” of the planet, seeking to understand the interconnections of life and promote a harmonious relationship between living beings and the environment. The idea of God as a gardener can inspire a more reverent and responsible view of nature, perceiving it as a divine garden to be cared for.
2. Biblical Gardens as Scenes of Salvation and Transformation:
Crucial moments in the history of salvation take place in gardens: Eden (Genesis), the Garden of Olives (Jesus’ passion and surrender) and the garden of the sepulcher (resurrection and new beginning). Gardens thus become settings for encounters with God and transformative events.
The heart that becomes Mary’s Garden is also configured as a “place of salvation” and transformation. By surrendering to Mary and cultivating virtues, the individual allows divine grace to flourish in his or her life, leading to inner renewal and greater conformity to Christ.
The “Ecology of the Resurrection” can be interpreted as the hope for renewal and restoration of creation. Just as Christ’s resurrection transformed death into life, this ecological perspective seeks the healing and revitalization of degraded ecosystems, envisioning a future of harmony and abundance. The garden of the sepulcher, mentioned in the text, symbolizes this possibility of a new beginning after the “death” of environmental degradation.
3. Order in the Midst of Chaos and the Fullness of Life:
According to the first chapter of the book of Genesis, God’s first creative act was to bring order out of chaos, assigning a place to everything and then filling those spaces. Biblical gardens represent that order and the manifestation of life in its fullness. The description in the Book of Revelation of the river of living water and the tree of life reinforces this image of abundance.
Cultivating Mary’s Garden involves bringing order to the inner “chaos” of passions and imperfections, directing life toward God’s will and allowing grace to flourish abundantly. The “flowers” offered to Mary symbolize this search for a fuller and more virtuous life.
Ecology seeks to understand the natural order of ecosystems and how to maintain that harmony to ensure the sustainability of life. Environmental degradation is seen as a form of “chaos” that threatens that order and the fullness of life on the planet. The “Ecology of Resurrection” points to the possibility of restoring that order and promoting a new abundance.
4. The Encounter with the Divine in Nature and in the Heart:
The image of God “strolling through the garden in the evening breeze” in Eden evokes a closeness and intimate dialogue between the Creator and his creation. The garden becomes a place of encounter with the divine.
The heart transformed into Mary’s Garden becomes a privileged space for encountering God through Mary. Prayer and devotion to her facilitate this closeness in daily life.
An ecological perspective inspired by faith can lead to a greater awareness of God’s presence in the beauty and complexity of nature. Contemplating creation as a “divine garden” can awaken a sense of wonder, gratitude, and responsibility toward the environment.
5. Conclusion
“God loves gardens” offers a rich metaphor that connects deeply with the Schoenstatt concept of Mary’s Garden and with the urgency of ecological reflection. Both invite us to cultivate, whether it be our inner selves for the manifestation of divine grace or the planet for the sustainability of life. The “Ecology of Resurrection” echoes the biblical hope for renewal and abundant life, just as Mary’s Garden symbolizes personal transformation through encounter with Mary’s maternal love. Ultimately, both the care of the inner garden and the care of the earthly garden reflect God’s love for life and his desire for the fullness of all creation.
“Many things need to be reoriented, but above all, humanity needs to change. We need an awareness of our common origin, our mutual belonging, and our shared future.” Laudato Si – 202
Do you want to be part of the change?
If you feel called to contribute to a sustainable vision in Schoenstatt, we invite you to join us. Together we can make a difference!
Participate with us! – WhatsApp +34 604 94 52 86
Rosana Silva – Our Lady of Schoenstatt Institute – Madrid
Translation: Maribel Acaron
Send your May flowers to the Original Shrine:
