Both Anne Catherine and Maria sharply condemned the wickedness of the historical figures who took part in the torture and murder of Jesus. The sacrifice of the Lamb of God, they knew, was a sacrifice for all time (Hebrews 9:26-28). His Blood, like His steadfast love and His faithfulness, extends to all generations, because all generations are in desperate need of its power (Psalm 100:5; Romans 5:18-19). Reflection on Our Lord's passion blossoms into contrite confession, which in turn bears fruit-not of self-hatred, but of divine pardon, and a renewed resolve to live as Jesus lived.

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with His stripes we are healed. - Isaiah 53:3-5

With excerpts from:

• The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich (https://bit.ly/3kaeP6l)
• The Mystical City of God by Ven. Mary of Agreda (https://bit.ly/3IhySaO)

GET THE BOOK - The Passion: Reflections on the Suffering and Death of Jesus Christ by Paul Thigpen (https://bit.ly/3IiSNpM)