Butterflies have always been symbols of the resurrection, for obvious reasons. When the caterpillar enters the chrysalis it looks as if it has entered a tomb. When a new butterfly emerges, it is new life.
I must not have paid attention in biology (in fact, I know I didn't), because I did not know until very recently what exactly takes place inside the chrysalis. The process from becoming a caterpillar to a butterfly is holometabolism, or a complete metamorphosis. When the caterpillar enters the chrysalis, digestive juices break down much of the body leaving just a few cells intact. These cells will generate the butterfly parts using the nutrients of digested larva. Basically, the caterpillar breaks down it's building blocks and reassembles them into something completely different.
This takes the butterfly as a symbol of the resurrection to a completely different level. Resurrection is not spiritual CPR. It is not resuscitation. It is a new body - a new creation. Jesus was recognized by those who knew him - but not all the time. He ate with this disciples like he did before his death - but he also appeared out of nowhere. He was the same - but he wasn't. Resurrection. New Creation. Amazing.
--
Fr. Steve Rice
Rector, St Timothy's Episcopal Church
Winston-Salem, NC
www.sttimothys.ws
www.sttims.blogspot.com
336.765.0294
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