Epiphany 7

Lord and God,

Why was the soul of Jesus Christ cast down? He who led the many in procession, who spoke transfigured to Moses, who led his people in conquest and in exaltation of God by his tabernacle design.

We have no other answer, Father, but that not one of us would be lost. “I am,” and “let these men go.” And with the revelation of his full reality, his captors quaked, the betrayer among them. You mourned and fell at the oppression of our enemies, all sin that haunts us in your presence, yet deep called to deep; you poured out your soul, ever trusting the Father.

Give us such grace to love enemies and to stand fast with friends, to patiently endure unjust trials and find your vindication. Let come to full effect the final sacrifice: the blood of Jesus, a sacrifice leading not ultimately to death but to life in his name.