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Missionary of the Cross: Bronze wall identity and Mission of the men of Love Crucified 8/30/18 Understanding the difference between the vocation to be a MC and the call to all to be victim souls. Clarity on what it means to be the “bronze wall.” Mission and identity of a MC. Jeremiah 1:17-19 “But you, gird up your loins; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. 18 And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the LORD, to deliver you.” Mark 6:17-29  The Death of John the Baptist For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; because he had married her. 18 For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the baptizer.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. What would move John the Baptist to confront Herod with the truth, knowing that Herod is a pagan and would not receive his words, and would probably have him killed? What makes him God’s bronze wall? -       John the Baptist knows who he is and his mission in life – bring souls to repentance as the means to prepare for the coming of Christ. -       Courage rooted in the love of God and zeal to complete the mission of God given to him.  Courage moves him through his fears to act. Herod, on the other hand, is controlled by fear, his ego, pride, arrogance… He is the “people pleaser”, more concerned about looking good, powerful, and in control before his guests. Therefore, he acts like a coward. We also have the mission of John the Baptist that requires great courage in a world that has become dark and pagan, but the qualities of Herod are also at work in us. The more we can see the traits of Herod in our hearts and come to the foot of the Cross in repentance, the more we will be able to grow in courage to do what is most difficult for us to fulfill our mission.  What part of me is still bound, like Herod, as a “people pleaser”, or arrogant & prideful to look good, successful, important, prestigious, intelligent, in control…? The mission of a Missionary of the Cross requires great COURAGE and ZEAL. What is the mission of a MC? ¨     Prophets that prepare the way for the coming of the Lord...