for a while, I saw a multitude of souls crucified like Him. Then I saw a second
multitude of souls, and a third. The second multitude were not nailed to [their]
crosses, but were holding them firmly in their hands. The third were neither nailed
to [their] crosses, nor holding them firmly in their hands, but were dragging [their]
crosses behind them and were discontent.
Jesus: Do you see these souls? Those who are like Me in the pain and contempt
they suffer will be like Me also in glory. And those who also resemble Me less in
pain and contempt will also bear less resemblance to Me in glory.
“But God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)
At the Baptism at the Jordan, which is the First Luminous Mystery, Jesus is actually identifying Himself with sinners. We think of Baptism as washing away sin, taking everything away that is not of God. And it does. But at the Baptism at the Jordan, it almost seems to be the opposite. Sinners were going there and Jesus identified with sinners at the Jordan. I think that is very significant because Jesus is the bridge, isn’t He? He is the bridge to cross that Jordan for us. He is the bridge for all of us into the Promised Land. It was not by chance that He was baptized in the Jordan and was taking on sin. He became sin so that He, identifying with us, could set us free.
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan is very much “mission.” His public ministry was definitely beginning. There He was – the Lamb of God! “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (Jn1:29). Now we, in this baptism are also baptized into His life, His death, His resurrection. We now must identify with Him as the Lamb. We identify also with His mission. This becomes our identity as well – who we are and what we do. This is what intercession is all about – helping the Church today cross over the Jordan, into the Promised Land, into the Kingdom. This is what it is all about. This is why we are here.
“To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.” (Rev 5:13)
O gentle King with Heart Divine
Sweat drops of Blood, praying, “Father, Your will, not Mine.”
Meek and humble He was led away,
For all mankind, our sins to pay.
The Lamb of God stood condemned
and received His sentence through the hands of men.
Silently He bore the unceasing pain,
His loving eyes fixed on the Father’s gain.
Heaven’s angels surrounded His royal throne,
The Cross lifted high – Bridge for all souls to go Home!
Finally, He came to breathe His last
and chains of sin shattered like broken glass!
The Father’s Promise of Life released,
Gift to all from greatest to least!
Now joining the Lamb Who gave His life in Love,
We too are called to witness to the Kingdom above.
His warriors for souls, we are clothed in Light,
Holding steadfast to the Cross, our victory, our might!
His mission continues, His Spirit lives on
Giving strength to His warriors ‘til evil is gone!
His Mother reminds us, “It has begun,”
She teaches us surrender, like Jesus, Her Son.
The Lamb of God will conquer, and sinlessness too,
His Precious Blood victorious, and all will be made new!
Stations of the Cross from Our Lady of Light Chapel
the people chosen as His inheritance.
A king is not saved by a great army,
nor a warrior delivered by great strength.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear Him,
upon those who count on His mercy.”
(Psalm 33:12, 16, 18)
May the Lord bless you for your generosity.