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LENT: 40 Reflections and Mystical Revelations on the Passion — Christianity
LENT: 40 Reflections and Mystical Revelations on the Passion

Follow Christ on his journey to Calvary with 40 devotional reflections, meditations, prayers, and excerpts from the mystical visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich and Venerable Maria of Agreda. Watch with Jesus as He prays in the Garden of Gethsemane. Grieve beside Him as He stands trial. Climb with Him on the way to Golgotha. And mourn with His Blessed Mother at the foot of the Cross. Contemplate the roles of Mary, Peter, Judas, Herod, Pilate, Simon the Cyrene, and Dismas the Good Thief . . . and, of course, Satan, whose hope of victory over Jesus is dashed in the end. LENT: 40 Reflections and Mystical Revelations on the Passion is written and compiled by Paul Thigpen and brought to you by TAN. For new episode notifications and to support this show and more great free content from TAN, visit LentPodcast.com to subscribe and use coupon code PASSION25 to get 25% Off your next order.

Copyright: © 2023

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Day 40: To Live as Jesus Lived Apr 19, 2025

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)

Day 39: "Follow Me!" Apr 18, 2025

Jesus did not suffer unspeakable torments so that we could live comfortably. He did not die a horrible death so that we could live a life wasted in petty pursuits. No. Jesus, "suffered all this so He could bring us into the eternal glory of God the Father as true sons and daughters" (Hebrews 2:10). The destiny He intends for us is nothing less than to "be like Him" when at last we "see Him as He is. Grace costs us everything, but in the end it makes us whole. Maria's vision warns us against notions of cheap grace and calls us to embrace the Cross.

Then Jesus told His disciples, "If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." - Matthew 16:24-25

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)

Day 38: Blood and Water Apr 17, 2025

Our Lord's suffering had at last come to an end. But the graces flowing from His passion had only just begun to flood the world. Since ancient times, the Church fathers have seen in this "blood and water" the font of two life-giving sacraments, Baptism and the Eucharist. In Anne Catherine's vision, a Roman officer comes to symbolize the power of the sacraments in the Church to come. Grace prompts him to approach the Body of Christ; grace heals and enlightens him through the Blood and Water and these gifts he has received he will share them with the world.

One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. ... For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled ... "They shall look on Him whom they have pierced." - John 19:34-37

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)

Day 37: Satan Is Defeated Apr 16, 2025

Maria's vision takes us to the moment, as Jesus was dying, that the hosts of hell finally realized who Christ was: the Word made flesh, the Redeemer of the world. Despite their maniacal rage at having been outwitted and defeated, they were powerless to resist divine judgment. God's justice snatched them out of this world and cast them into an eternal torment of their own making. At long last, the human race could be free.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, [Christ] Himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. - Hebrews 2:14-15

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)

Day 36: The Moment of Triumph Apr 15, 2025

Jesus' last words on the cross are a shout of triumphant faith. The earlier cry of abandonment has now given way to a declaration of supreme confidence in God. In Matthew's account especially, we find evidence that these last words were less the last gasp of a Victim than the trumpet of a victorious Warrior King preparing to return home from battle. Anne Catherine's vision focuses on this militant aspect of Our Lord's death. The earth trembles beneath her Lord's advance, the saints of old are released from prison, and the ancient Enemy is at last utterly overthrown.

Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!" And having said this, He breathed His last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, and said, "Certainly this man was innocent!" And all the multitudes who assembled to see the sight, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. - Luke 23:46-48

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)

Day 35: All Is Now Finished Apr 14, 2025

Before Jesus gave up His spirit to the Father, He cried out: "I thirst" and "It is finished." St. John hints at their inner unity. Only when Our Lord knew "that all was now finished," the evangelist writes, was He able to declare "I thirst," receive the vinegar, and pronounce the consummation of His life's work. Maria explored this mysterious connection. Christ's most profound thirst, she said, was His passionate longing for the salvation of the human race. He did indeed drink it, and at last He was satisfied. In "I thirst," we hear the groan of divine desire; in "It is finished," a cry of desire fulfilled.

After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to His mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, He said, "It is finished!" - John 19:28-30

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)

Day 34: "Why Have You Forsaken Me?" Apr 12, 2025

Jesus' cry from the cross that God had forsaken Him is perplexing. How is it possible that God the Father could have abandoned God the Son? Some have speculated that, since Christ bore our sins in that moment, a perfectly holy God turned His face away as part of the punishment Jesus suffered in our place. Anne Catherine envisions: Christ, she said, was speaking on behalf of all those who in their hour of death are tempted to despair. He has walked the way before them, borne their desperate hopelessness, and earned for them a sure and certain hope.

About three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" - Matthew 27:46

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)

Day 33: "Behold Your Mother" Apr 11, 2025

We may find it startling to hear Jesus address Mary, not as "Mother," but as "Woman," in His last words to her before He died. Commenting on this situation, Maria insisted that in calling the Virgin "Woman," Our Lord was alluding to her perfect womanhood, her status as the exemplar for all women. Anne Catherine perceives yet another layer of meaning in the word, seeing in it a reference to the woman who would crush the serpent's head through her seed (Genesis 3:15). The Woman became on that day the mother of the Church.

When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing near, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. – John 19:25-27

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)

Day 32: Darkness Over the Land Apr 10, 2025

On the day Jesus was crucified, when the midday sun hid its face in shame and darkened the landscape, it was indeed a sign. Anne Catherine elaborated on that sign. She saw the whole cosmos, from the little sparrows to the immense galaxies, injured and crippled by this assault on its Creator and Sustainer. Even in that hour Our Lord prayed for God's will to be done, so that even in the catastrophic darkness, the heavens might "proclaim His handiwork" (Psalm 19:1).

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. - Luke 23:44-45

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)

Day 31: One Thief Repents Apr 09, 2025

The two thieves crucified with Christ hang before us like a microcosm of Judgment Day. Enthroned on His Cross between them is the Judge, with the "sheep" at His right hand and the "goat" at His left-one on his way to eternal life, and the other to everlasting punishment. Dismas' example gives to even the worst of us a reason for hope, and a motive for humility. St. Augustine summed it up: "Do not despair; one of the thieves was saved; do not presume; one of the thieves was damned."

When they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. ... One of the criminals who were hanged railed at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And He said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." - Luke 23:33; 39-43

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)

Day 30: "Father, Forgive Them" Apr 08, 2025

St. Peter once asked Our Lord how many times he must forgive an offender. Jesus answered that if necessary, he must forgive "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22). According to Maria, Jesus embodied His teaching perfectly and was an example passed to his disciples. When He called out to God to pardon His tormentors and murderers, He was passing such a test, answering with a resounding Yes! The question may still linger for us. Is such costly forgiveness truly possible?

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide His garments. And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He is the Christ of God, His Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up and offering Him vinegar, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" - Luke 23:34-37

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)

Day 29: Jesus Is Crucified Apr 07, 2025

As the Cross was raised atop Calvary's hill, multitudes were quickly drawn to Jesus. Today our attention is still riveted on the Man of the Cross. He draws us all to Himself. We may cherish Him, we may despise Him, we may puzzle over Him. But we cannot ignore Him. Sooner or later, we each must choose: will we, like His mother, take our place with Him or remain indifferent like the mob? Anne Catherine insisted, the Cross becomes a tree of life.

When they came to a place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered Him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when He tasted it, He would not drink it. And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over Him there. And over His head they put the charge against Him, which read, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews." Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. - Matthew 27:33-38

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)

Day 28: Jesus Prays for Us All Apr 05, 2025

We should not be surprised that in Maria's vision, at the time the executioners prepared the Cross, Jesus was praying for you, for me, and for us all. He asked that we be granted mercy instead of condemnation. He prayed for our deliverance from Satan's slavery. He begged to save us and make a place for us in the family of God. And He revealed once more His passion to accomplish the salvation of man for the glory of God.

Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son so that the Son may glorify You, since You have given Him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. ... I do not pray that You would take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from the evil one. ... For their sake I consecrate Myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. ... I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in Me through their word." - John 17:1-2, 15, 19-20

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)

Day 27: Jesus Is Stripped Naked Apr 04, 2025

Jesus' tormentors intended to wound both His body and His soul. The goal was humiliation when they stripped Him naked in public. Ever since the sin of our first parents in Eden, nakedness had been linked to shame. Instead, Jesus' nakedness revealed the blessed Body that was broken and given for our salvation. Maria's vision details the wounds that flowed as Jesus' tunic was torn away, and to the eyes of faith those wounds shine with a bloody beauty. The divine nakedness was exposed so that our shame might be taken away.

And they stripped [Jesus] and put a scarlet robe upon Him, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on His head, and put a reed in His right hand. ... And when they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the robe, and put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. ... And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among them. - Matthew 27:28-29, 31, 35

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)

Day 26: St. Simon Carries the Cross Apr 03, 2025

Consider Simon of Cyrene, the Everyman of the passion story. Like most of us, he was not prepared to be inconvenienced. In the Simon of Anne Catherine's vision, he resented helping a total stranger, especially when he had no choice. Yet with one look into Jesus' eyes, everything changed for Simon. His heart began to melt, and before long, he was carrying that Cross to a new eternal destiny. So it is with us: God honors even the most reluctant acts of charity with abundant grace.

When they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the robe, and put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. As they were marching out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry His cross. - Matthew 27:31-32

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)

Day 25: Jesus Meets His Mother Apr 02, 2025

In the traditional Stations of the Cross, Jesus meets Mary as He trudges through Jerusalem toward Calvary. In Maria's vision, mother and Son meet several times. Consider the scene: Any mother would be crushed to see her child endure so horrendous a passion. How much more, then, the mother of this Child, who loved so perfectly the One who was so worthy of perfect love! The Mother of Sorrows drew close to the Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3), leaving an example for us all.

And His father and His mother marveled at what was said about Him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. ... And His mother kept all of these things in her heart. - Luke 2:34-35, 51

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)

Day 24: Jesus Embraces the Cross Apr 01, 2025

At the very heart of His sorrowful passion, Jesus felt some sense of joy because He knew the purpose of His suffering: "Jesus ... for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2). Yet we may still find unsettling Maria's vision of Christ as He lifted the cross to carry it. More than simply enduring it, she saw Him embracing it. The lives of certain saints suggest that by imitating Our Lord, they gave themselves up to God in martyrdom. As Maria's vision reveals, any delight Jesus may have taken in the Cross was in reality something a delight in the brothers and sisters He would reconcile to God through it.

You were dead in sins and uncircumcised in the flesh. But God brought you back to life with Christ, having forgiven us all our sins. He has canceled our debt to the Law, which had been charged against us. He obliterated it by nailing it to the Cross. He disarmed the demonic principalities and powers, parading them publicly behind Him in the triumphal procession of the Cross. - Colossians 2:13-15

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)

Day 23: "Who Do You Say That I Am?" Mar 31, 2025

When Pilate went to render judgment, he was forced to entertain a possibility every man and woman must face: Jesus claimed to be the divine Son of God. Could it be true? Our Lord had pressed the issue some days before with His disciples, asking, "Who do you say that I am?" Anne Catherine's vision reminds us that all who judge Christ will themselves be judged by Christ one day. Each of us, in answering His question, "Who do you say that I am?" is rendering a judgment on Him.

Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no crime in Him." The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law He ought to die, because He has made Himself the Son of God." When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer. Pilate therefore said to Him, "You will not speak to me? Do You not know that I have power to release You, and power to crucify You?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over Me unless it had been given you from above." - John 19:6-11 93

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)

Day 22: The Scourging at the Pillar Mar 29, 2025

Scourging was a brutal form of punishment. When the leather was sufficiently hardened and the blows savagely applied, the pain was excruciating. If enough blows were given, the loss of blood alone could lead to death. Pilate thought the grisly sight would be enough to satisfy the mob's thirst for blood, and they would drop their demands for Christ's death. Even so, it was not to be. Mary of Agreda's vision takes us close up to this gruesome scene. If we let it, the sight can draw us more deeply into the startling mystery of Christ's passion.

Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and arrayed Him in a purple robe; they came up to Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck Him with their hands. Pilate went out again, and said to them, "See, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no crime in Him." So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!" When the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" - John 19:1-6

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)

Day 21: Christ Before Herod Mar 28, 2025

If we compare Herod and Pilate in the Gospel accounts, Herod comes across as the simpler man, and certainly the more shallow of the two. He seems driven by curiosity; he wants to be entertained. In Anne Catherine's vision, the king's interrogation sounds much like a modern tabloid reporter trying to interview a reluctant celebrity. Herod seems less interested in pursuing the truth than in enjoying a sensational story. Jesus understandably refused to play their sick game.

When [Pilate] learned that [Jesus] belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see Him, because he had heard about Him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by Him. So he questioned Him at some length; but He made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing Him. And Herod with his soldiers treated Him with contempt and mocked Him; then, arraying Him in gorgeous apparel, he sent Him back to Pilate. - Luke 23:7-11

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)

Day 20: The Enigma of Pilate Mar 27, 2025

Pontius Pilate presents us with an enigma. In the Gospel accounts he is one moment hostile to Jesus' enemies, and the next, annoyed with Jesus Himself. Anne Catherine's vision took her into the depths of the Roman governor's mind. There she found a chaos of vices and passions, ignorance and confusion. If we are honest, we always glimpse in these interior scenes a reflection of our own miseries apart from the workings of God's grace.

As soon as it was morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council held a consultation; and they bound Jesus and led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. And Pilate asked Him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And He answered him, "You have said so." And the chief priests accused Him of many things. And Pilate again asked Him, "Have You no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against You." But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate wondered. - Mark 15:1-5

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)

Day 19: A Parody of Palm Sunday Mar 26, 2025

Only a few days before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, crowds praised Jesus as David's royal Son. They had adorned the streets before Him with their coats and palm branches, eager to see Him. According to Anne Catherine, on the way to Pilate's palace that boisterous scene was repeated-but this time as a diabolical parody. The mob was again eager to see Him-but this time, so they could mock Him.

Throwing their garments on the colt they set Jesus upon it. And as He rode along, they spread their garments on the road. As He was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" - Luke 19:35-38

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)

Day 18: Judas Despairs Mar 25, 2025

The Devil knows how to quote Scripture and twist it for his own purposes; he used the strategy during Christ's forty days in the wilderness. But Our Lord saw through the ruse and sent the Devil on his way. In Anne Catherine's vision, Satan used the same strategy with Judas and came to despair. This time, Satan won.

When Judas, His betrayer, saw that [Jesus] was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. - Matthew 27:3-5

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)

Day 17: His Hour Had Come Mar 24, 2025

After relentless torments, even a few moments of relief for Jesus would have been a priceless gift from the Father. Anne Catherine saw in her vision, Our Lord was left alone in a filthy dungeon cell with a single sliver of a hole opening to the sky. The morning had just broken and a solitary sunbeam, descended from heaven on His broken body, a ray from His Father's face. His hour had come. This day was the pivot on which all human history turned.

Then turning to the disciples [Jesus] said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. ... I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished!" - Luke 10:23-24; 12:50

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)

Day 16: Unseen Realities Mar 22, 2025

To the angry mob who watched as Jesus was interrogated in Caiaphas' house, He seemed utterly alone and abandoned to the whims of powerful men. But all these were blind. In truth, as Anne Catherine saw in her vision, Jesus was the only one present with any genuine power-the strength of holiness, made perfect in weakness. Behind it was an unseen play between the forces of good and evil.

The high priest stood up and said, "Have You no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against You?" But Jesus was silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure You by the living God, tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." - Matthew 26:62-64

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)

Day 15: St. Peter's Denial Mar 21, 2025

After Judas' betrayal, the story of St. Peter's denial is perhaps the most bitter episode recorded in the Gospels. Peter's actions may be the most difficult for us to swallow, for they seem more out of character than those of Judas. Anne Catherine reminds us that any one of us might, under similar difficult conditions, give in to fear and confusion to deny Our Lord.

Peter followed at a distance; and when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a maid, seeing him as he sat in the light and gazing at him, said, "This man also was with Him." But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know Him." And a little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not." And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, "Certainly this man also was with Him; for he is a Galilean." But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. - Luke 22:54-62

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)

Day 14: Jesus Models the Beatitudes Mar 20, 2025

The physical abuse of Our Lord began in earnest once He was brought to the house of the high priest. Perhaps some of those present in the crowd had heard Him preach the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the meek. ..." As Maria of Agreda observed in her vision, Jesus modeled perfectly the Beatitudes of humility, mercy, and all the rest. These are examples to be lived even today.

Then they seized Him and led Him away, bringing Him into the high priest's house. ... Now the men who were holding Jesus mocked Him and beat Him; they also blindfolded Him and asked Him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck You?" And they spoke many other words against Him, reviling Him. - Luke 22:54, 63-65

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)

Day 13: The Interrogation by Annas Mar 19, 2025

The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus' first interrogation was by Annas, who demanded to know what He had taught. Jesus suggested that Annas interrogate instead the people who had heard His preaching. In Anne Catherine's vision, many of the witnesses in fact gave correct testimony of Jesus but drew the wrong implications of his ministry.

First they led Him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. ... The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in the synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together; I have said nothing secretly. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me, what I said to them; they know what I said." When He had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how You answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike Me?" - John 18:13, 19-23

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)

Day 12: The Lamb Led to Slaughter Mar 18, 2025

The visions of Anne Catherine and Maria are vividly detailed. Facial expressions, room furnishings, ambient noises, odors, features of the landscape-nothing seems to escape their penetrating mystical senses. In such rich visions, we feel for ourselves a little something of what these women might have felt when such scenes first spread before them.

He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? - Isaiah 53:7-8

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)

Day 11: Bearing His Reproach Mar 17, 2025

After His arrest, in every place where Our Lord was dragged and tormented, we hear one long, ceaseless refrain: the taunts of those who took pleasure in seeing Him humiliated. Insults and indignities, sarcasm and slander, blasphemy and mockery followed Our Lord's disciples then, as they do today.

For it is for Thy sake that I have borne reproach, that shame has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brethren, an alien to my mother's sons. For zeal for Thy house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult Thee have fallen on me. - Psalm 69:7-9

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)

Day 10: Christ's Enemies Gather Mar 15, 2025

Once Christ was arrested, those He had offended gathered gleefully to speak against this Sign from heaven who, simply by being true and good, had proved them to be false and wicked. In His time, as in our own, few friends found sufficient courage to stand by Our Lord, let alone the courage to defend Him.

"Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus that they might put Him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward." - Matthew 26

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)

Day 9: Jesus Goes Willingly to Die Mar 14, 2025

More than once in His public ministry, Our Lord walked unharmed through angry crowds seeking to kill Him. "His hour had not yet come." But as the torch-bearing mob surrounded Him in Gethsemane, He knew the appointed time had arrived.

Then Jesus said to [Peter] ... "Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send Me more than twelve legions of angels?" ... At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture Me? ... But all this has taken place, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." - Matthew 26:52-53, 55-56

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)

Day 8: The Healing of the Slave Mar 13, 2025

Those who came to arrest Jesus in the garden no doubt had heard accounts of His miracles. How is it, after witnessing such a miracle mere feet away, that they–and we– could so easily doubt the power of Our Lord?

And when those who were about [Jesus] saw what would follow, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And He touched his ear and healed him. - Luke 22:49-51

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)

Day 7: Judas' Sins and Ours Mar 12, 2025

What sting is as sharp as a friend's betrayal? And what insult is more bitter than betrayal through a kiss? Worst of all, who could be so wicked, so foolish as to betray the Son of God with a kiss? Judas, yes—but also any one of us.

While [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I kiss is the man; seize Him." And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Hail, Master!" And he kissed Him. - Matthew 26:47-49

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)

Day 6: Christ's Joyful Vision of the Saints Mar 11, 2025

We learn from Anne Catherine Emmerich's visions how God the Father mercifully granted Christ visions of the communion of saints and martyrs from the ages to come. In His moment of torment, this glimpse and reminder of those who would commit their hearts to Him and join Him in heaven, was a soothing reminder of what would be made possible by His sacrifice.

These all died in faith, not having received what was promised, but having seen it and greeted it from afar. ... Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 11:13; 12:1–2

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)

Day 5: Christ's Vision of a Scattered Flock Mar 10, 2025

We learn from Anne Catherine Emmerich how Our Lord's terrifying visions continued – this time, representing the future misguidance and dispersal of His flock. For this, and much more, our savior prepared to give Himself up in sacrifice.

My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, turning them away on the mountains; from mountain to hill they have gone, they have forgotten their fold. All who found them have devoured them, and their enemies have said, “We are not guilty, for they have sinned against the Lord, their true habitation.” – Jeremiah 50:6–7

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)

Day 4: Christ's Vision of the Church's Trials Mar 08, 2025

Long before His Passion, Christ knew that the Church He established would follow in the footstops of His suffering. He must have faced haunting questions: “If I suffer these things, what good will it do? Will this fallen race turn its back on My gift? Is it worth the price?”

Jesus answered them, “Take heed that no one leads you astray. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. ... Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death; and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will fall away, and betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise, and lead many astray. And because wickedness is multiplied, most men’s love will grow cold.” – Matthew 24:4–5, 9–12

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)

Day 3: Remove This Cup Mar 07, 2025

How startling it is to hear Christ's outcry in the Garden: “Remove this cup from Me!” Is any prayer of Our Lord more unsettling than this? Hearing it, we are tempted to think that in this terrible moment, Jesus lost His courage, faltered in His resolve, shrank from His mission. Yet Jesus was not stumbling spiritually...

Jesus withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done.” And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground. – Luke 22:41–45

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)

Day 2: Satan's Accusations and Temptations Mar 06, 2025

Satan, defeated by Our Lord in the wilderness before His public ministry began, had retreated until an opportunity arose to engage Him again. What better opportunity than the agonized hours in Gethsemane?

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit for forty days in the wilderness, tempted by the Devil. ... And when the Devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. – Luke 4:1–2, 13

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)

Day 1: Christ's Vision of the World's Sins Mar 05, 2025

Here we begin with the Stations of the Cross, in the Garden of Gethsemane. We must imagine the crushing grief Christ felt – even before His physical torture commenced – knowing what awaited Him, as the wretched gravity of the sin of a whole world weighed down on him.

Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be troubled and full of grief. Then He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with Me.” Then going a little farther, He fell on His face and prayed. – Matthew 26:36–39

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)

Introduction: His Blood Be On Us and On Our Children Feb 14, 2024

Paul Thigpen sets the stage for a Lenten journey like no other. He reminds us of the value of meditating on Christ's Passion, not just during Lent, but year-round. And he introduces us to two mystics whose compelling visions of the Passion have inspired generations to saintlier living. Along the way, Paul considers the following questions:

What do you contemplate when you look upon a crucifix?
What do we stand to gain when we follow Christ in His Passion, examining each key scene from the Gospels?
How do the private revelations of the mystics hold up a mirror to ourselves?

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)

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