Of the Imitation of Christ/Book III/Chapter XVIII
CHAPTER XVIII.
THAT TEMPORAL SUFFERINGS MUST BE BORNE PATIENTLY, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST.
Y son, I descended from heaven for thy salvation; I took upon Me thy sorrows, not necessity but love drawing Me thereto; that thou thyself mightest learn patience, and bear sufferings without repining.
For from the hour of My birth, even until My death on the cross, I was not without suffering and grief.
I suffered great want of things temporal; I often heard many complaints against Me; I endured patiently disgraces and revilings; in return for benefits I received ingratitude; for miracles, blasphemies; for heavenly doctrine, reproofs.
2. O Lord, for that Thou wert patient in Thy lifetime, herein especially fulfilling the commandment of Thy Father; it is reason that I, a most miserable sinner, should bear myself patiently according to Thy will, and for my soul's welfare endure the burden of this corruptible life as long as Thou shalt choose.
For although this present life be burdensome, yet notwithstanding it is now by Thy grace made very gainful; and, by Thine example and the footsteps of Thy saints, more bright and endurable to the weak.
It is much more full of consolation than it was formerly under the old law, when the gate of heaven remained shut; and the way also to heaven seemed darker when so few cared to seek after the kingdom of heaven.
Moreover also, they who then were just and such as should be saved, could not enter into the heavenly kingdom, before the accomplishment of Thy Passion, and the satisfaction of Thy holy death.
3. O how great thanks am I bound to render unto Thee, that Thou hast vouchsafed to shew unto me and to all the faithful the good and the right way to Thine eternal kingdom.
For Thy life is our way, and by the path of holy patience we walk toward Thee, Who art our Crown.
If Thou hadst not gone before us and taught us, who would have cared to follow?
Alas, how many would remain behind and afar off, if they considered not Thine example!
Behold we are even yet lukewarm, though we have heard of so many of Thy miracles and doctrines. What would become of us, if we had not so great light whereby to follow Thee!