The story of the dogwood tree may only be a legend but it serves as a beautiful reminder of the truth of our Lord Jesus' work of redemption. This spring as the Dogwood trees begin to bloom gaze for a moment upon the blossoms. Contemplate the blessings of Almighty God who has created us and redeemed us; "redeeming us not with gold or silver but with the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ," as St Peter says.
"At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the 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 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." (Anonymous)
Blessings+
Father Daniel
The author of this poem is unknown but the creator of the dogwood tree has made himself known through his Son who said, "For I did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved."
"At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the 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 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." (Anonymous)
Blessings+
Father Daniel
