Public Ministry of Christ in Verse

Rosary Poetry: Poems on the Life of Jesus Christ
- Public Ministry -

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The Baptism in the Jordan
The Son of David did answer the call
Of the one who was crying in the wild.
For He was the one the prophets did say,
Would reinstate our kinship as God's child.
Time stood still as their eyes met each other,
Each knowing the other's mission to bear.
John to prepare them; Jesus to heal them,
The King's royal road uphill would start there.
The One without sin had come to be cleansed,
But John knew the lamb of God would forgive.
More than just plant a new spirit within,
The Messiah would teach us how to live.
Our Savior rose from the sacred water,
Wings of a dove and heaven all around,
As His Father proclaimed Him as His Son,
Who would cause divine mercy to rain down.
We are also the Father's favored ones.
He bestows His blessings upon us all.
He beckons us to be His disciples,
To abide in His house when we are called.

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The Wedding Feast at Cana
To a Cana wedding Jesus had come,
With Mother Mary and friends He had made,
To hallow the marriage by their presence,
To celebrate and drink to their union.
Before God He blessed the enamored pair,
Spoke of their duties and graces to come.
That God would protect them and help them through
The life of joy and woe they both would share.
Something at the feast caught our Lady's eye.
The servants looked so worried and confused.
Perhaps the apostles had drunk too much,
For some complained that their cups had run dry!
"They have no wine," Mary gave the bad news,
But Jesus said His time had not yet come.
Still mothers know when it is time to go,
Telling the staff, "Do what He says to do."
Jesus could not refuse Mary's request,
So He ordered some jugs filled with water,
That at His command blushed at His power,
And the steward declared this wine the best.

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The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Who was this Man from Galilee,
Whose gaze pierced a fisherman's soul?
Why give up all to answer His call,
A simple request, "Come follow Me?"
He preached a gospel of peace, words of love.
The weak would be blessed; humble exalted.
He healed the sick and forgave us our sins,
In the name of His Father from above.
He was a Man of parables and prayer
Who taught us to open our hearts to God,
Live in the present, tomorrow's unsure,
Love God the most, with each other to share.
He is the Good shepherd who seeks the stray,
The bread of life and manna from heaven.
He lightens our burdens, bring us all peace.
To reach Paradise, He showed us the way.
He wanted us to see what life could be
Without the trappings that lead us astray,
To carry our cross and not count the cost,
And love our enemies as much as He.

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The Transfiguration
On Tabor Mountain God revealed Himself
That we might know the glory of His Son.
Jesus, robed in dazzling white, stunned Peter,
James and John with a mystical vision.
Could we imagine such a divine sight?
Elijah, prophet; Moses, lawgiver,
Speaking with the One who fulfilled them both.
Beauty no artist could e'er deliver.
Amazed at the sight, Peter spoke with joy,
"Lord, how good it is for us to be here!"
But the voice of God broke through the glamor,
And the three witnesses collapsed in fear.
"This is My Beloved Son, obey Him!"
The words of the Father washed over them.
Then there was silence, all nature restored,
And Jesus sought to console the three men.
"Come! Rise My brothers, for all is quite well.
It was for My glory you were brought here,
That you might understand where I will go,
And at the end of My trials shed no tear."

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The Institution of the Eucharist
Our Lord awaited Passover evening
To share with His friends His body and blood.
They'd need His strength before the night was through
To endure the pain of His suffering.
While they were eating, He took up the bread,
Blessed and broke it, gave thanks to His Father.
This is My Body. Take it and eat,
That hunger for eternal life be fed.
Then He took the cup and gave it to them.
This cup is My blood I give up for you.
Remember Me, this covenant I make,
So that you may live and not be condemned.
We seek intimacy, O Lord, with Thee.
Sate our hunger, O Manna from heaven.
Slake our thirst, Fountain of living water.
O Christ, forever make Your home in me.
Let us eat the bread of eternal life.
Let us drink from the cup of salvation.
That we may encounter heaven on earth,
And find peace in this world of strife.

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Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God, in deep appreciation for the mercy and grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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