When the azaleas bloom in full, nard’s fragrance fills the heavens and the earth.

Once in a lifetime—and for the last time— the essence of love poured out in joy, Mary broke her alabaster jar without reserve.

If it pleases the Lord, her fearless devotion and humble heart, the fragrance of a woman rising like spring grass, blooms again today in the breeze.

When the azaleas bloom in full, Peter’s whistle floats in like flower mist.

In the cry of “Hosanna!” Peter, with shoulders wide, laughed boldly, as if the road to Jerusalem were a path to glory. He held the donkey’s reins with pride, leading the way for his Lord. But before the rooster crowed, he bore the ache of defeat alone to meet the dazzling day.

When the azaleas bloom in full, we hear the sorrow of Judas, who could not sprout new eyes upon the earth.

Thirty heavy silver coins tied at his waist, his dark gaze wandering the high priest’s courtyard. How to reckon the price of blood exchanged for life? He counts again and again the clinking coins.

“Beloved Lord, crucifixion? What shall we do with this? My heart is scorched black.”

When the azaleas bloom in full, the betrayal of that day rises blue and stains the soul.

“Make way! Make way! The King of the Jews walks this road!” Roman soldiers shout beneath black helmets, flags flapping, chains clanging, curses hurled.

The Lord’s shoulder crushed, his robe torn, soaked in sweat and blood, snagged on stones, his strength spent, he collapses, struck by the cross.

“Look at the one who said he would rebuild the temple in three days!”

“Behold the man who claimed to be King of the Jews!”

“See the one who called himself Son of God and mocked the Holy One!”

“Look at the man who broke the Sabbath and called himself its Lord!”

“Behold the friend of prostitutes, tax collectors, and poor sinners!”

The mockery of creation shakes the heavens.

When the azaleas bloom in full, the traces of our Lord’s blood burn within the tender petals.

To free this sinner bound in chains of guilt, the Lord gave up heaven’s glory.

To show heaven to one who lived with eyes fixed on earth, he bore every insult and scorn.

To give true joy to one who chased illusions, he let nails pierce his hands and feet.

To grant eternal life to one who knows not tomorrow, he chose death on the cross.

When the azaleas bloom in full, every branch echoes Calvary’s groaning—

The sound of life being conceived, The cry of victory over death, The tearing of darkness, The pouring of light, The collapse of Babel’s tower, The crumbling of walls, The liberation of slaves, The joining of hands, The rending of the veil…

…sound… sound…

When the azaleas bloom in full, we hear the voice of the Lord:

“It is finished.”

Having poured out water and blood, his robe divided by casting lots, he gave up his life so that we might receive it.

Ah—ah— to give spring eternal to this sinner, our Lord again bears the cross this year.

The suffering and death of our Lord! His resurrection and victory! Hallelujah!

— Yoon WanHee, Blueprint of Faith, Gift, 2001