Passion Flower

I sat down to paint this passiflora hanging fr om a garden wall in St. Jacob area, residential Dubrovnik suburbia. At first I saw only nice flowers, didn't think much of their name. Latin words need a little time to release their meaning in my head. But as I painted other names came to my mind, Christ’s thorn, Christ’s crown, Jesus’ passion. My Lord, this flower is so gentle and cushy. How on earth could they name it Your crown? What sense does it make? Does it recalls Your promise to make our suffering light and easy if we follow You willingly? Dear Jesus, lead us all to the safe pastures wh ere the crowns of spines are turned into tender flowers. Good Shepherd, do thou strengthen my faith. Dubrovnik, May, 2018, Oil on hardboard 50 x 70 cm