"The Bridge of Redemption"

The cloud-white floor was forcefully swept aside by Joseph's quick and hurried steps. The sound of splashing Joseph's firm footsteps were able to break the silence of that afternoon. Joseph's face looked tense and very serious. His eyes scanned sharply everywhere. There is something awaited, there is a task that must be completed. Today! Yes, today! And everything has already begun.

"Today has arrived!!" said Joseph at the end of the road. There is a gaping hole in the clouds below, where he can see the world very clearly. In his view, he clearly saw "The Son" stumbling as he lifted the heavy wooden cross. His body was torn and shapeless from the sharp whips of Pontius Pilate's executioners. His body was like that of a fawn running swiftly through a thorny forest, pursued by the jaws of a tiger. The exhaustion of his body transcended human limits. His breath tormented every ear of the people who screamed with various words; if they truly heard that breath, their bodies would shiver and collapse like jelly.

Like the line of Jerusalem women standing in a row along the Via Crucis. Under the black cloth veils, their mouths continued to wail in mourning, and their eyes were swollen, drenched in the tears that kept flowing. Their souls and hearts trembled that day, even though they did not know what they were weeping for. Was it the suffering and torment of a human being the most terrifying they had ever seen, or was it tears of sorrow and regret because they had allowed themselves to walk in the furnace of sacrifice with flames heated by their sins?

"How deeply a child's marriage is affected when the Father is not by their side, surely surpassing all that 'The Child' endures suffering without me beside them..." murmured Joseph softly. His eyes still reflected the suffering and the path of misery of his beloved child. The body he had cared for and protected since infancy, ensuring that not even a thorn would harm its skin, is now being torn apart by the forces of worldly desires.

The red blood that always let out a painful scream when it struggled out of the body no longer needs to find a way to flow. The flesh that envelops his bones is already covered with flowing blood. It flowed in all directions as the body swayed in fatal weakness. The droplets of blood that initially hesitated to flow, now one by one, add color to the ground of Adam and Eve's expulsion. It freely drips, wetting the dust and stones of the via dolorosa. The dust and stones of the road that one day will also tell the story of the glory of the Person who caused a stir throughout the city that day.

"This is the heaviest torture for the people of Israel during the Roman rule!" said some who witnessed the scourging and the journey of the cross.

"He must be strong!" Because He is the adopted son of Joseph, a descendant of David! "I'm here!" Joseph himself shouted from above the heavens.

"Yeah, if I were still there, I would definitely run against those hundreds of Roman soldiers." I will force myself to take the place of Jesus, whom I have loved my whole life! "Maybe that's why I have to be here, no longer trapped in this worldly body, which is weak in feeling and the thoughts of individuality..." murmured Joseph as he looked at his death in his worldly life.

Well, that day Joseph's face was not so sad, unlike Mary who was sobbing in a thousand daggers piercing her heart. His knees could barely walk, holding back the tremors of horror throughout his body. A karma that must be accepted within the line of original sin, because the soul must be wrapped in the human body. Still in physical weakness, limited thinking, and a heart that remains shallow in comprehending the universe of God.

Joseph understood very well what was going to happen, because it had to happen with the suffering of his holy adopted child. His universe had changed, expanding without limits. He was only tense because he had to ensure everything went smoothly."The Child must die and suffer in today's sacrifice!" He must be strong. Mary and I have been preparing him since he was a baby.

"This flower will be chosen to welcome 'The Child' who will return to this heaven, Joseph, what do you think?"a figure of an angel flew closer to Joseph while carrying a tray full of flowers. "Ah, actually Mary knows better!!" What flowers should be present at Jewish celebrations," said Joseph. "This is the best flower from heaven!" said an angel who suddenly approached Joseph from behind. He was wrapped in a beautifully shining white robe, like a sprinkle of silver glitter all over the robe that captivated

"Yes, that means good, everything is good!" said Joseph to the angel. And the angel flew back, distancing itself from Joseph."Why are they asking me?" They should be asking God the Father who is throwing a big feast this Friday.

"Jesus.....!!" Mary's cry was heard loudly echoing throughout the corners of heaven. the walls of the heavenly kingdom echoed the cries of anguish from that world. The pillars supporting the walls seemed to tremble in pain. and the clouds also bowed down wearily. One second, all the inhabitants of heaven froze in stiffness, the universe seemed to stop.

"Mary..!!" Joseph quickly knelt, gazing at the world with a very sharp look. He saw Mary running through the crowd and the soldiers guarding the path of the "Son." In front of Mary, Jesus was seen fallen with his face crushed by the wooden cross at the gates of Jerusalem. Mary had the chance to touch the face of "The Son" for the last time. Mary cried very sadly, but the two of them, Mary and Jesus, seemed to look at each other and strengthen each other.

"Mother, this is your child," a faint and weak voice pierced through the memories of Mary and Joseph as he was born into simplicity, not luxury. When he ran with very cheerful laughter. When they had to feed him with all the hopes of growing in perfection. and in the moments of night, he remained in their embrace, deeply immersed in their body scent. No more words could be spoken, only surrender to the will of God the Father, whatever will happen, just the words in the heart, "this is My Child..."

"I should have been there too..." but...!"Once again, Joseph still felt half of his soul was lost when he heard Mary's sad cries. For a moment, he walked back and forth with his arms sometimes crossed over his chest, sometimes released and dangling, clenching tightly as if challenging the cloudy floors.

A moment later, one hand appeared to be holding his beard and one hand crossed over his chest while he muttered to himself. Both eyebrows seemed to gather in the middle as if almost merging.

"How can I whisper all of this to Mary, that all of this must happen, so that she doesn't have to be so deeply saddened?" She must be as strong as a rock. But what can I do, Mary is still limited to that human body, I can't do anything. However… Well.. fortunately, "The Child" really knows what to do. Wake up, child.. you have to be strong!! Wake up!!

"Joseph, wear this robe, the time is near!"said another angel behind Joseph while handing him the beautiful outer robe adorned with golden lace.

Yusuf turned around and stood facing the angel, "Why is this robe so beautiful?" My child will prefer to see me as I am later.

"This is a heavenly feast," the angel replied, slightly denying Joseph's words.

"I know, this Friday heaven will be celebrating, while on earth everyone will be shedding tears for the next three days, some will still be laughing contentedly and happily!" But I, Joseph..." said Joseph, who suddenly spoke with a different voice.

"The Son" will return today," a heavy and authoritative voice echoed in every corner of the place. God the Father is present in His word, "And one bridge will be reconnected between heaven and earth with one cry!"

"One shout?"asked Joseph, looking up and turning around, searching for the source of the sound.

"Do you know, Joseph, how I long for the humans I created, since Adam and Eve severed that bridge of love with their original sin?" Only one prohibition was taken by Eve, but my loneliness surged back into my heart from that very day. I have to lose you until this moment. Your pain as if I took Mary from your heart is nothing compared to the gaping hole in my heart. "If the Son is that bridge..."

"Then you must indeed stand in heaven first, because you will catch the bridge that connects the world to heaven, which you have woven in sacred love with Mary in the world, since 'The Child' was born until now." Then only you can catch it!

"Then today heaven will celebrate and the world will mourn?"asked Joseph.

"They remain constrained by their fragile existence, limited to responding with laughter or sorrow based on their mood and narrow perspective. They must transcend this existence to partake in a sublime experience, liberating themselves from worldly desires and vanities. Therefore, Paradise is not merely a promise uttered by the prophets; it is the place that I have prepared for you from the very beginning."

"Once again, what should I do about that bridge? Am I truly unable to assess it first to determine if any repairs are necessary?"

 "You will understand in due time!"

 "In due time?"

 "With a single proclamation?"

 "The proclamation of Jesus?" Joseph inquired later.

 "You will understand in due time! Prepare yourself."

 "Very well, let it unfold according to your will!"

 "Your beautiful words, along with those of Mary, continually provide solace to my heart!"

"Wait, but I don't want to wear this luxurious robe!" shouted Joseph while still holding his head up. However, no answer from God the Father was heard again.

When Joseph lowered his face, there appeared in front of him a row of prophets. Noah, Abraham, Elijah, Moses, Job, Hosea and many more. In each of their hands was a circle of light that fit in one hand. One by one the prophets walked over to Joseph and placed the light on Joseph's head, and the light entered, adding a golden aura all over Joseph's body.

"O Light of the Father of the Nation, in your humility and simplicity, our lights are no match for your light. Because it is from you that our voices all culminate, gathered into one unified force. Because of you and Mary, every word of our scriptures was fulfilled in your holy Son. It was from you and Mary that the "Child" was born and grew up perfectly. "O Great Joseph, all our voices are perfectly realized in your most glorious person, until today the story of salvation will come to pass," said Abraham as he shone his light above Joseph's head.

Behind Abraham, David appeared and immediately hugged Joseph, "O illustrious descendant of David, with your simplicity you have shown heavenly prowess above all other descendants of David. I am proud to have descendants who have absorbed all the aromas of the specialness of this universe. Be prepared for the task from God the Father today, we will be behind you.."

At the same time, a choir of 3 groups of angels lined up among the megas. They prepared to sing the most beautiful chorus to open the great Feast in heaven.

Joseph turned around and looked back into the world. The cross that was between the two robbers' crosses began to be erected. Mary's screams again deafened Joseph's ears. Almost breaking his eardrums, and tearing his heart with sharp nails. Joseph knelt down while covering both his ears. His eyes became sharper seeing the touching scenes for the world and heaven.

"Be strong son, be strong..!! today it will be paid off…!! Remember how we used to run down the desert on the way from Egypt back to Nazareth, since you were little your legs have been so strong. Remember everything I said every night before you went to sleep, Remember the splash of the rivers that were refreshingly opened on every journey we took together. Your hands are strong, the legacy of a carpenter's hands, chisels, planers and hammers strengthen your fingers and arms with me. Your soul is also a rock from the pile of scrolls of all the books of Israel that I taught you, you will be strong because you are the son of Joseph the carpenter!" shouted Joseph until his voice was able to open the blood that entered Jesus' ears, who was now starting to shiver coldly on the cross, because he was almost out of blood.

"Eloooi.. Elooi lama Sabachthani..!! (Father.. my Father why have you forsaken me)" Jesus shouted on the cross.

"Get ready Joseph at the end of the road!" said God the Father then.

Joseph walked closer to the end of the road in question. From here the bridge connecting the World and Heaven will be stretched again. Penetrating all dark clouds, dispelling all worldly iniquities, and destroying all sins. A bridge that will shine brightly because it absorbs all the energy of Divine virtue.

"Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit. It is finished!"

The angels sang so beautifully and majestically after the last cry, a cry of victory from "The Lamb!". A sound that would penetrate the barrier of the reunion of God and man throughout the Universe. A sound that truly brought the Kingdom of God down to heaven.

The prophets sprinkled the most beautiful flowers from heaven onto the ground on earth, which became refreshing raindrops. The other angels all flew in the air scattering sparks of light like the most beautiful fireworks. All celebrated the victory. Victory for the world that had been wrapped in black sheets, in that very second it appeared white. All human sins disappeared. The saints danced, the walls of heaven lit up brightly. This was the Heavenly party of the last cry of victory from "The Lamb".

"The last cry… didn't the Son say it was finished after giving up his life? Then where is the bridge that God promised, why is it not visible at all?" Joseph knelt down and carefully observed the expanse between heaven and earth. There was not a single sign of the bridge appearing or appearing. Joseph was still amazed, "Could there be something wrong?" he muttered to himself.

"Yusu…up!" Mary screamed shrilly, still staring at her son's blood-soaked body hanging on the cross.

"Aaaarch!!" Joseph screamed loudly, his chest felt the most painful than ever, as if stabbed by a very sharp sword through his ribs when he heard Mary's scream. His heart felt as if it had been torn into a hundred pieces. His heart was torn apart in painful tears like a wound soaked in vinegar. Joseph also felt Simeon's "fate". But a second later, Joseph's heart lit up brightly, as did Mary's heart. Peace was felt again throughout their bodies. The love between Joseph and Mary was reconnected and "The Child" felt the warmth of that love on the lowly cross.

Before the Body of Jesus was finally taken down from the Cross. The earth shook in a great earthquake. The lands split. The curtain of the Temple was also split.

A bridge was woven from the coils of love in the hearts of Mary and the holy heart of Joseph. Spinning in rainbow colors around the energy of the sacrificial spirit of the Lamb. The white Sacrificial Spirit hung down forming steps to heaven. A bridge of Salvation has connected between the world and heaven. The ladder of Salvation that will save humans to live happily forever in Heaven with the all-good Father.

Joseph's chest continued to emit bright rainbow-colored light from his heart, the light still felt warm throughout his body. His strong hands reached for the last hand of the bridge of salvation. He attached the bridge between heaven and earth firmly to the strongest foundation. He took several pegs to anchor the ladder chain, so that the span of the ladder did not waver. Returning with the sacrifice of "The Lamb".

"You and Mary who have woven this bridge of Salvation by smoothing His descent into the world, saving Jesus from all the dangers of the world, caring for him, feeding him, educating him and giving him happiness throughout his life. So, only with your love that is united with MY great love, can this story of Salvation be wrapped in a beautiful bridge of Salvation." The song of heaven still echoes throughout the corners of heaven from the golden voices of the angels. The sky of heaven is still decorated with beautiful lights. The fragrant aroma of flowers and incense also helps to paint the great event. Joseph's face radiates a relief that he has never felt before. Slowly his body becomes transparent and disappears.

***

Joseph felt his naked body cold. He found himself sleeping on a stone. He felt that the room around him was also walled and ceilinged with stone, very dark and stuffy. He tried to get down from the square stone that supported his body. Suddenly the door to his tomb opened, bright light penetrated the door hole and crushed his body. He walked out of his open tomb, suddenly his body floated lightly towards a beautiful bridge of steps. He continued to climb from the white stairs carved with flowers and verses from all the books. Joseph looked down then smiled broadly. Behind him appeared a group of saints from all over the world. With the sacrifice of the "Lamb" the doors of the tombs of the saints opened and they walked up to heaven.

of this story is the author's imagination, It cannot be a guide to history and actual events, let alone an addition to the biblical story. This story was created only to increase the strength of the reader's faith and a little fantasy about the story of the events that underlie the making of the sleeping Joseph devotion statue until the formation of the Devotion place at the Bengkel Iman Santo Yusuf Parish of St. Yusuf Ambarawa (Jago Church). Please visit the Bengkel Iman Santo Yusuf Ambarawa and "discover the Luxury of St. Yusuf's personality here"

Wieg 29/03/2024 pkl 14.02

https://santoyusup.id/category/blog/