Ss Peter & Paul, Kettering
Why did Jesus have to die? Part 2
For who is Christ, unless that which 'in the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God'?
This Word of God 'became flesh and dwelt among us';
for he was incapable of dying for us,
until he had assumed mortal flesh for us.
St. Augustine: Guelf Sermon 3
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death...
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.
Song of Songs 8:6
When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" John 11:32-36
Seeing the sorrow and desolation of us, he was made sorry through his kindness and love. All the time he could suffer, he did suffer for us, and sorrow too....
he took children up in his arms, laid his hands on them,
and blessed them. Mk 10:16
He stretched out his hand and touched him,
saying, "I do choose. Be made clean!" Mt 8:3
he had compassion for them,
because they were like sheep without a shepherd; Mk 6:34
he touched her hand, and the fever left her Mt 8:15
Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Mt 20:
Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." Mt 17:7
he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. Mt 14:4
....This is his meaning: "How could I not, out of love for you, do all I can for you...for love of you I am ready to die often, regardless of the suffering."
Julian of Norwich Revelations of Divine Love, 20 & 22
Love that gives gives ever more,
Gives with zeal, with eager hands,
Spares not, keeps not, all outpours,
Ventures all, its all expends.
Drained is love in making full;
Bound in setting others free;
Poor in making many rich;
Weak in giving power to be.
W.H. Vanstone: Love's Endeavour, Love's Expense
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