the numerous sinews which are found there! They were violently stretched out, and probably disjointed, according to the words of the prophet: "They have dug My hands and feet, they have numbered all My bones." (Ps. xxi. 17.) Compassionate your Lord, and grieve that you have been the cause of His pains. " Acknowledge, O man!" cries out St. Bernard, " how grievous your wounds of sin are for which it was necessary that our Lord should be wounded."
III. When Christ had been nailed to the cross, it was elevated and let down with violence into the trench prepared to receive it. Reflect on the torture which this shock must have given Him. Oh what a spectacle " to the world and to angels and to men"! (1 Cor. iv. 9.) It was a spectacle of compassion and astonishment to the angels, of scorn and derision to the wicked, but of example to the just, and a sacrifice most acceptable to the eternal Father. Fall down in spirit at the foot of the cross, and with pious affection collect the dropping blood, and indulge such sentiments as the occasion shall suggest.
WEDNESDAY.
Crucifixion of our Lord. — III.
I. Consider the situation of your Redeemer, hanging on His cross. He receives no comfort either from those around Him or from His divinity, the operations of which He suspended for His greater suffering. If He moved His body, it was tormented afresh by the wounds in His hands and His feet, on which His whole body hung. If He moved His head, the thorns were pressed deeper into it. Not the least sigh or moan, however, was heard to proceed from Him. He offered all His sufferings to His eternal Father for your sins.
