Virtues of the Cross:
If you seek the example of LOVE: Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends. Such man was Christ on the cross. And if he gave his life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for his sake.
If you seek PATIENCE; you will find no better example than the cross. Great patience occurs in two ways: either when one patiently suffers much, or when one suffers things which one is able to avoid and yet does not avoid. Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently, because when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth. Therefore Christ 's patience on the cross was great.
If you seek an example of HUMILITY; look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be judged by Pontius Pilate and to die.
If you seek an example of OBEDIENCE; follow him who became obedient to the Father even unto death. For just as by the disobedience of one man, namely, Adam, many were sinners, so by the obedience of one man, many were made righteous.
If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow him who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Upon the cross he was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck crowned with thorns, and given only vinegar and gall to drink.
THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
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