In the twilight of time I was born in the Image of the Holy Trinity
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The Crucifixion is our Salvation - Fourth Sunday of Lent
The baptism of Jesus is on his part the acceptance and inauguration of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allows himself to be numbered among sinners; he is already “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Already he is accepting the “baptism” of his bloody death. Already he is coming to “fulfill all righteousness,” that is, he is submitting himself entirely to his Father’s will: out of love he consents to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins. The Father’s voice responds to the Son’s acceptance, proclaiming his entire delight in his Son. The Spirit whom Jesus possessed in fullness from his conception comes to “rest on him.” Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all mankind. At his baptism “the heavens were opened” - the heavens that Adam’s sin had closed - and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Spirit, a prelude to the new creation. (CCC 536).
See, my servant shall prosper, he shall be raised high and greatly exalted. Even as many were amazed at him - so marred was his look beyond that of man, and his appearance beyond that of mortals - so shall he startle many nations, because of him kings shall stand speechless; For those who have not been told shall see, those who have not heard shall ponder it. (Is 52: 13 - 15).
A servant is called to execute a contract, an agreement to fulfill the greatest, the most ignominious sacrifice of handing over to an enemy his whole retinue that were his creation who now stood speechless. A King who gave up his role as leader and with authority humbled himself for those whom he loved; because they erred into sin which he now would pay the ransom to release them from eternal death. There never was any mortal who could do the same, and no other divine person who would stand before a misguided humanity and sacrifice themself to save them. It is our God who created us, loved us beyond any symbol of trust that stepped forth and said, “It is I, who will give myself as a sacrifice so my creatures will know how much I love them.”
Ralph B. Hathaway
I am an ordained deacon with the Diocese of Pittsburgh, since June 8, 1974. My current ministry is concentrated on writing spiritual reflections and poetry. I am married, with one grown daughter, and 4 grandchildren. I retired from the electrical industry after 58 years as an electrician, contractor, teacher in trade schools, and electrical inspector with a PA State license
