Jesus On A Dogwood

Today is Good Friday.  We read about the cross and Jesus’ fate.  Here’s a story.  At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of a mighty oak tree.  So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus’ cross.

To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood.  While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion, he said, “Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross.  Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross – two long and two short petals.”

“In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails.  In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember.”

I'll never look at a pink dogwood tree the same way again.  I will remember.

Today's Gospel: “…They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom.  Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So, they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.” (John 18:1-19:42)

I wonder if there was a dogwood tree in that garden and next to the tomb.   Would have been fitting.

Deacon David Pierce