Three Trees

There are not many trees in Ireland since the land was deforested four hundred years ago. This tree, standing alone, reminds me of the three trees of the redemption story--one at the beginning of recorded history, one in the middle of history, and one at the end of all things.

The tree at the beginning of history is the tree of knowledge of good and evil. By disobeying God's direction our first parents made all humanity subject to sin and death.

The tree at the middle of history is the tree on which Christ died to free us from the power of sin and death.

The tree at the end of all things was also present at the beginning of history--the tree of life. It is by Christ's death and resurrection that we will one day have the privilege to eat of the fruit of that tree.