gotten as one that is dead from the heart.[1] Learn thou from my example not to make flesh thy arm, and not to trust in princes, nor in the children of men, in whom there is no salvation.[2]
I was reckoned also with the wicked and with robbers; and yet I humbled myself, and became obedient even to the death of the Cross; and wilt thou refuse to be humbled, or to obey in the easiest matter, when I, in a matter so difficult, was so obedient?
I hung naked upon the Cross, and what Blood was left in me, I poured it all out profusely for thy salvation; and wilt thou set thy heart upon riches? or will it pain thee to dole out to me in poor man, so much as a draught of water or a trifling coin?
Look at my virgin Flesh, all cruelly torn with so many stripes and wounds, and thou wilt blush to pamper thy own with luxuries and pleasures.
I, when I was scourged, crowned with thorns, pierced with nails, fastened to the Cross, overwhelmed with insults, and condemned to a most shameful death, nevertheless forgot all my pains amid all my distresses, nor once opened my mouth to utter a word of complaint or excuse, or threatening or malediction, against my tormentors; but was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb be fore his shearer is dumb, I opened not my mouth; and how frequently are you driven with little or no occasion to be so violently agitated by anger and impatience!
See, too, what it was they gave me to drink in my thirst, and understand how unworthy it is for thee to pamper thy flesh with luxuries, feast sumptuously, drink the best of wines, and be enslaved to thy appetite and to pleasure.
And now against this hatred and envy stands my measureless charity, with which I prayed even for my enemies, and refused not to die for the very authors of my death.
Man. Oh, how bountiful art thou to forgive! Oh, how great is the multitude of thy sweetness, O Lord![3] Oh, how far are thy thoughts above our thoughts! Oh, how is thy mercy confirmed, even upon the wicked! Wonderful event! they cry, Crucify; thou criest, Forgive. Oh, never was heard such a word of benediction as this!
Christ. Nor was I so overcome by weariness or faintness as to cease from accomplishing all things in my love and zeal for thy salvation; remember, then, too, to fight the good fight; finish thy course, and persevere to the end, if thou wouldst be saved, and obtain the crown of justice that is laid up for thee.
