Covenant News
The Budding Dogwood: An Easter Reflection
BOWIE, MD (April 18, 2003) - On this Good Friday as we approach the Easter celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we offer the following reflection written by Timothy D. Johnson, pastor of the Church of the Redeemer.The Dogwood
A "late-Lent-almost-Easter" sign for which I watch every year is what happens to the dogwood tree in the front-center part of our church property, just up the bank from the road and keeping company with a telephone pole. Among all of the trimming and tree clearing that's been done in that area over the years, this durable tree has remained. No more than 15 feet tall, green all summer and losing its leaves with no great display in the early fall, this tree is hardly noticeable for most of the year.
However, as we come toward the end of Lent and approach Easter, this dogwood tree becomes an eye-catching sight. During these days its buds begin to emerge, showing themselves first as little red-tipped greenish balls. But then, eventually, four petals will slowly unfold from each bud, stretching out in the sun and warmth, white and broad with a tinge of red spreading out from their tips.
I don't know enough about botany to appreciate the scientific aspects of this tree and its springtime ritual, but I always appreciate its beauty. I also appreciate the legend associated with the dogwood tree. Legend has it that this tree used to produce pure white petals - four petals unfolding into the shape of a cross, centered on an intricate crown, golden with pollen. But years ago on a Friday afternoon, when God's most precious gift to the world was nailed to a cross and executed in the most horrific and bloody way, these pure white dogwood blossoms suddenly became stained with red, starting at the tips and running down the petals. So stands the legend of the dogwood tree.
Each year this tree, durable and beautiful, having eye-catching but short-lived petals, serves as a visual reminder for me about Lent. White is stained with red. Purity becomes discolored. Yet, this also serves as a reminder of what we celebrate at Easter. White overwhelms the red stain. Discoloration gets absorbed. Then, as the seasons change, the petals dry and fall to the ground, blown this way and that . . . but the tree and its rooted strength remains.
Legends and their attached symbolism only go so far and only run so deep. But in their simplicity, such things can serve as a tool to redirect us to that which runs deepest of all - God's promise of salvation for us through the death and resurrection our Lord Jesus Christ. A brief glance at the tree and, perhaps, we'll remember. A passing mention of the dogwood tree and, maybe, it will all come to mind again. White became stained with red. Jesus bled and died. But then Jesus rose again and remains, Savior, Lord, pure, forever.
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me" . . . Psalm 51:10
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