Why is Thy Apparel Red?

Rev. Max F. Walz. Imprimatur, 1939. 178 pages.  First published in 1914. From the first chapter: “This is the vision the Prophet had when he exclaims: Who is this that cometh with dyed garments, and he expressly calls Him beautiful, just as He is beautiful in this royal robe of His own Precious Blood to all the lovers and followers of the Crucified.” Also, “Why then is thy apparel red? Because red is the color of blood, and because it speaks of royalty and divine love . . . Because Jesus was pouring out His heart’s blood to prove that no man hath greater love than he who lays down his life for his friends . . . In this apparel, then, He came forth and although trembling with pain, He is walking through the streets of Jerusalem to Mount Calvary “in the greatness of His strength”-which is His love.” How much did God love the world? Enough for His only Son to come down and sacrifice Himself for us and for our sins. Readers may draw close to this book and reflect on what it means for the apparel to be red- to have bled for love.