And if I could suffer more, I would suffer more . . .

Cricifixion Window, in Mother Julian’s Cell at St. Julian’s Church, Norwich

**Today with Julian – August 2nd:

Our Lord asked me a question
as I gazed upon the vision of His crucifixion:

“Are you well satisfied that I suffered thus for you?” He asked.
“Oh yes, good Lord,” I said,
“All my thanks to you, blessed may you be!” I said.

And Jesus answered me thus:
“If you are satisfied, then I am satisfied.
It fills me with endless joy and happiness
that I suffered my Passion for you,” Jesus said.
“And if I could suffer more, I would suffer more . . .”

So I understood that Jesus would as rather die
once for each person who is to be saved,
than only one time for all together.
For He loves us that much.

(Mother Julian, Short Text, Chapter xii)

It is enough wonder that Jesus was willing once to die in order to show His love for all humankind. And we rightly understand that death to be a once-for-all-people-and-all-time event. But Julian in her vision hears Jesus tell her that if it were possible to do more than what was necessary, He would do it. Even though it were not needed, he would die for each person, personally, so great is His love. As Julian points out elsewhere, this death is not God’s punishment, but God’s act of birthing us into eternity with Christ.

~ Will, ObJN