A Story Reflected: The Great Rider

I saw a great Rider on a white horse, robed in white and clothed in glory and light and magnificent splendor, a mighty warrior riding into battle like the wind.

His hair flowed behind him, but his face was constant, calm and benevolent, full of love, yet also of strength and power – his triumph was at hand. The Rider's face was ageless, both young and old, and his majesty was all the greater. All wisdom and knowledge was present in his face. He is good. I saw also in him the memory of suffering; in his body he bore the mark of his love, a wound that brought healing. In his eyes was light from an older age - from the very beginning.

The Rider directed his horse with ease. His armor shone like the sun, and in his hand was the greatest of swords. He wore no helmet, but a silver crown.

I too rode into battle, among the great host led by this Rider. The bright sun shone down on him from a clear blue sky - far above, at the edge of sight, flew a red and golden bird, the phoenix. The host of the Enemy was vast, but we had One, mightier than they: our captain and our banner, our White Rider, our Lord and King. His presence brought strength and hope to all who followed; we felt no fear, but wonder and joy. I remembered the older place and knew that our Lord would win the victory.

Gabriel and Michael rode beside him, one on either side, terrible to behold, but our Lord was greater far than they, and he rode before them like the wind. The drumbeat of the footfall of his horse shook the earth. As he rode I saw more clearly the wound he bore in his heel, the mark of his victory.