Superstitious see Jesus in tree
Pastor Dale Morgan
Superstitious see Jesus in tree*
Web Posted: 02/16/2007 06:23 PM CST
Jeorge Zarazua
Express-News
(Nicole Frugé/Express-News)
The superstitious and the curious visit a tree believed to look like
Jesus on the cross in Crystal City on Thursday.
CRYSTAL CITY — Consuelo Sanchez guided her 63-year-old mother, Olga,
across the street, pointing to a tree near a fence line.
"That's the arm," she said, pointing to a branch yielding to the right.
"That's the other arm.
"See where it's cut right there, that's his head."
The elder Sanchez nodded in agreement.
The pair was the latest to make the trip to Avenue D here Thursday
afternoon to examine a pruned backyard tree that many believe resembles
a crucified Jesus.
"They say something like this doesn't happen just anywhere," the
38-year-old daughter said. "To me, it's a sign."
The Sanchezes stood under the tree for several minutes, studying both
the tree and the handful of pictures and notes that have been left
behind the past few days after the image of Jesus was first spotted in
the gnarled limbs by Betty Jo Hernandez.
Hernandez, 31, took a photo of the tree and shared it with co-workers at
an elementary school where she works. Many agreed they could see the
image of Jesus on the cross, and from there, it spread across town and
beyond, fueled over the past two days by news media reports.
Hundreds have since visited the site, leaving behind mementos and
flowers, mostly roses. A row of candles sits on the ground.
But not everyone can see it.
"If you have faith, you see it," said 44-year-old Lupe Granados, who
traveled from nearby Big Wells to see the tree. "If you don't, you don't."
The owners of the property where the tree stands did not answer a knock
at the door and neighbors said they are trying to keep a low profile.
Thursday night, the faithful continued to come, sometimes in droves,
lining the short residential street with vehicles.
Many came with their camera-equipped cell phones in hand, ready to snap
a picture.
"It's weird, right?" Granados asked. "It has been here forever and not
until now has someone seen it."