I do not like. Thou didst for so long a time uncomplainingly bear with Thy disciple Judas, who was shortly to sell and betray Thee: whereas I, for some slight wrong, fly at once into a passion, and concoct all sorts of plans for revenging or excusing myself. At such a time what becomes of my meekness, and of my patience?
Help me, O good Jesus, I beseech Thee, and instil into my heart more and more fully the virtue of Thy gentleness; for without Thy special grace preventing me, I cannot have the blessing of quietness of soul amidst the worries and the troubles, of which in this life there are so many.
CHAPTER II
☙ Of the sadness and dread which Jesus endured for our sakes
BLESS Thee, and give thanks to Thee,
O Lord Jesus Christ, Maker and Redeemer of all the faithful, for the sad
beginning of Thy most bitter Passion;
for the exceeding distress of Thy soul; for the
anxiety and dread, which, in the weakness of Thy
human Nature, taken upon Thee of Thy own free
will for our sakes, Thou didst feel, when, as the
hour of Thy betrayal drew nigh. Thou didst begin
to be fearful and very sad. Nor didst Thou think
shame of confessing this sadness to Thy disciples,
for Thou saidst: "My soul is sorrowful even unto death." O wondrous dispensation of God! Thou,
the Lord of all power, Who but a short while since
hadst given strength to Thy disciples for the strife,
dost now bear Thyself as One Who is weak, and
wanting in strength and courage.
