At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood , a flowering shrub,was comparable in size to the oak tree. Due to it's firmness and strength its timber was chosen for the cross. Seeing the great distress of the tree, the crucified Jesus in his gentle pity for the sorrow and suffering of all said:
"Not ever again shall the dogwood grow to be large enough for a tree, and so slender and twisted is shall always be.
With cross-shaped blossoms for all to see.
The petals shall have bloodstains marked brown. And in the blossom's center a thorny crown. All who see it will think of me, Nailed to a cross from a dogwood tree. Protected and cherished this tree shall be A reflection to all of my agony." |
