The robin is a sign of spring – one of the first birds to appear in the cold weather. He is noted for his lovely red breast and beautiful blue eggs. But the robin also symbolizes Christ death. There is a legend that the robin got its red breast by plucking out the thorns from Christ’s crown on the Cross.
In Emily Dickenson's poem "In Shadow," she writes: "I dreaded that first robin so,/ But he is mastered now, / And I 'm accustomed to him grown, / He hurts a little, though." In this little meditation on Christ - the robin comes to assist Christ and pull the thorns out of His head - Christ speaks of how it is surprising that the robin, of all creatures, should be the one to cause Him pain. He knew the robin would come: "I dreaded that first robin so," but nevertheless, knowing all His creatures, confesses surprise that so sweet a creature, with such good intent, should be able to cause great pain for Him.
We, as God's children, try so hard to ease Christ's pain, and often cause Him more pain. For instance, one might give up ill-thoughts for Lent (hoping, of course, that the habit will be long gone after Easter). But at the first opportunity complain about our neighbor. This causes God pain, even though He knows we are really trying to become better. God is patient with us, even when we twist the thorns in His head. Would only that we were as patient, forgiving, and loving with ourselves, and we would have an easier time being good!
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