This week we celebrated ANZAC day and some staff wore Rosemary and Poppies.
But why wear these plants on ANZAC day? Rosemary is a plant that grows wildly on the Gallipoli peninsula – to wear Rosemary is to remember a location. The Flanders poppy were the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of France and Belgium. Some soldiers feel that the red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades that soaked the ground. To wear a poppy is to remember a sacrifice.
These simple plants, these symbols, help us remember our history. Both plants grow where the battles were fought - they are anchors to historical realities. The colour of the poppy and the smell of rosemary are invocative of our history – and the price of peace.
Christians also have symbols. We have an empty cross that reminds us of Jesus' death and resurrection, the historical event of forgiveness available to all. We have the Lord’s Supper; the broken bread reminds us of his broken body; the poured out wine reminds us of his poured out blood - the price of peace. When Christians take them as a community, we are reminded that Jesus died to make a community.
As we remember the fallen on ANZAC day, do not forget the one who fell and rose again – Jesus Christ.