THEOSISCaesarius of Arles
When Moses passed away, it was Jesus who assumed leadership; and as the conclusion of the law approached, our true Sovereign Jesus assumed authority over all creation. Thus, Jesus, a foreshadowing of the Lord, addressed the people as they approached the Jordan: ‘Prepare provisions for the journey, for after three days you will cross this Jordan.’ On the third day, dear brethren, we recognize the profound mystery of the Trinity. What must we prepare to reach the third day? It appears to me that this provision signifies faith; it is through faith that believers come to embrace the Trinity and the sacrament of baptism. Hence, what Joshua instructed the people, the authentic Jesus now conveys to Christians through His servants.
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For to say, ‘Prepare yourselves food for the journey, for after three days you will cross this Jordan’ signifies the reception of the sacrament of the Trinity. Upon crossing the Jordan, as if having received the sacrament of baptism, the people of Israel entered the land promised to them. And indeed, beloved brethren, until an individual undergoes the sacrament of baptism, he will not behold the true promised land, which is eternal joy.
So Jesus exhorted the people, ‘Prepare for yourselves food for the journey.’ Today, if you will heed the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, He says to you, ‘If you wish to follow Me, prepare sustenance for the way.’ This sustenance consists of the good deeds that nurture us, serving as the nourishment of faith for our pilgrimage towards future bliss. Reflect on this, brethren; if each one does not prepare provision for himself, he will be unable to follow Jesus as He enters the promised land.