Alleluia.
Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead; you have loved us and washed away our sins in your blood.
Alleluia.
There is something profoundly moving in this Alleluia. Jesus is called the faithful witness because everything He revealed about the Father, He revealed in truth, in love, and without turning back. He did not only speak God’s mercy; He proved it.
He is the first-born of the dead because death did not hold Him. In Him, hope is no longer a wish, it has become victory.
And then comes the most tender part: He has loved us and washed away our sins in his blood. This is not distant love. It is costly love, saving love, love poured out completely. These words remind us that we are not only taught by Christ; we are redeemed by Him.