Sunday after Easter, 2020
LPC’s dogwood trees come into beautiful bloom in the spring. Legends about the dogwood have sprung up over time: reminders of Christ’s passion.
The dogwood blossom is in the shape of a cross. The green center reminds us of the crown of thorns pressed upon the head of Jesus during the time of torment. With time, portions of this center turn red reminding us of the blood Christ shed. That bloodshed is further emphasized by the brown hue at the edges of the four petals that make up the dogwood cross: the color of dried blood. (There are times when the symbolism found in nature is truer to life than we might like!)
A part of the legend is that wood from a dogwood tree was used to fashion Jesus’ cross. Well, folks, dogwoods do not grow in the Holy Land. That said, the potent symbolism found in the dogwood should not be dismissed. Giving the legend its due, the story goes on to say that God shrank the dogwood so it would never again be used as an instrument of crucifixion.
In ways smaller and less dramatic, we are given to participation in the crucifixion equivalents of our day: greed, petty gossip, support of violence. Yeah, I could go on and on—as can we all. No exceptions when it comes to sinning. We bring our individual twists to sin, though. Like the dogwood, all of us need our capacity to do harm shrunken—but not so shrunken that lose our capacity to do a few good things for Jesus! Striking that balance is where God’s help comes in.
The idea that I, for one, am to be self-reliant when it comes to balancing the pros and cons of free will is an unpleasant idea indeed. And given the level of my success when I’ve tried . . . well . . . I believe prayer, the testimony of neighbors, scripture, and the occasional revelation are among the vehicles God uses to line us up. The teaching and example of Christ Jesus remains pertinent unto this day: beauty, sacrifice, change, and redemption are present in the legend of the dogwood. The legend edifies us. More importantly, it points us back to the legend’s ultimate source. Christ Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. +++
Included as part of this message is the picture of multiple blossoms on a dogwood tree. The many blossoms on so many dogwoods at this time of year remind us that if we should miss God’s teachings and reminders once or even many times, still more will coming our way. If we should wonder and/or worry that we’ve missed important teachings from God, take heart. God’s Holy Spirit is nothing if not persistent.
Peace, love, joy,
–Pastor Bill–
