that do shine very brightly in the holy passion of our Savior Christ.
The fifth point that we have to consider in the holy passion of our Savior is the great number of virtues that do shine very clearly in it: the which consideration serveth to encourage us to endeavor ourselves to imitate some part of that which is there represented unto us. This is one of the highest manners of meditating that is upon the holy Passion. For it is manifest, that all the perfection of a Christian life consisteth in the imitation and following of the virtues of our Savior Christ. Whereunto the Apostle St. Peter exhorteth us, saying: Christ suffered for us, leaving unto you an example, that you should follow his foot-steps, who when he was evil spoken of, did not speak evil again: and when he was tormented, did not threaten them, but delivered himself unto him that did most unjustly condemn him.
And albeit that all virtues shined so brightly and in such excellent wise in all the life of our Savior Christ, yet did they much more perfectly shine in his holy passion. And therefore in his passion principally it behooveth us to behold the beauty and excellency of his virtues: the which do much more evidently shine there among his pains, and torments, than do the flowers among the thorns.
Consider therefore first of all that so profound humility, wherewith the most high and only begotten son of almighty God vouchsafed to be contemned, and less esteemed than Barrabas, and to be crucified upon a cross between two thieves as though he had been a Captain and ringleader of malefactors.
Consider his so wonderful patience in the midst of so many reproachful injuries, and torments: and withal his so passing great magnanimity, in that he offered himself so willingly into the hands of his enemies, and to suffer the greatest pains, and conflicts, that ever were suffered in this world.
Consider that so constant perseverance, which he had from the beginning to the end, yea even to suffer death upon the cross, and to descend into hell, and to finish the work of our salvation.
Consider his most fervent charity, which passeth all understanding, by the which only he was moved to offer himself in sacrifice for the sins of the world, and to suffer death, that he might give life not only unto his friends, but also to his enemies, yea even to those very persons that shed his most precious blood.
Consider his most abundant mercy, which extended itself so far forth, as to take upon him all the miseries and debts of the world, and to make satisfaction for them, as if they had been peculiarly his own debts.
Consider that so perfect obedience which he used towards his father, whom he obeyed unto death, yea even to the death of the cross: where finally bowing down his head, he offered up unto him his most holy soul, giving us thereby to understand, that the work of his obedience was then perfectly fulfilled.
Consider that so passing great meekness which he shewed in all the process of his passion, suffering himself to be carried like a sheep to the butchery, and like a most meek lamb, that holdeth his peace when he is sheared.
Consider his so wonderful silence amongst so many false accusations, and lying witnesses, which was so great, that it was able to bring the very Judge himself that condemned him in a great admiration of him.
Now if thou be desirous to see a most perfect pattern of the contempt of the world, and of all the honors, riches, pleasures, and delights that be therein, behold our Savior upon the cross so dishonored, tormented, and naked, that he had none other, bed to lie upon, but only a cross: none other pillow to rest his head upon, but only a crown of thorns: none other delicates to feed upon, but only gall, and vinegar: none other persons to comfort him, but only those cruel scoffing ministers which wagged their heads at him, and said: Fie on thee, that destroyest the temple of God, and in three days buildest it up again: etc. I conclude therefore, that the Evangelical poverty, abstinence, and austerity of life, with all other virtues do no where shine more evidently than in the cross.
But among all these virtues, humility and patience do shew themselves most notably in the bitter passion of our Savior. For patience (as the holy fathers affirm) as the wedding garment wherewith the son of almighty God clothed himself when he came to be affianced with the Catholic Church, and to be married with her. By which Metaphor they give us to understand, that albeit our Savior Christ shined most brightly with the garment of all virtues, when he came to celebrate matrimony with the Catholic Church upon the bed of the cross, yet did he most principally shine there with the robe of patience. For by means of the act of this virtue, which is to suffer, he drank the bitter cup of his passion: by the value, and merit whereof the Catholic Church was redeemed, beautified, and espoused by our Savior Christ.
Now in these and other the like virtues we ought to fix our eyes when we meditate upon the holy passion of our Savior: to the intent that we may be thereby provoked to imitate somewhat of that, which was there done, not only for our redemption, but also for our example. For the greatest glory that a Christian can attain unto in this world, is to have a semblance and likeness unto our Savior Christ: Howbeit not such a likeness as proud Lucifer desired to have, but such a likeness of life as our Savior Christ himself commanded us to have, when he said: I have given you an example, that as I have done, so should ye do likewise.
OF PRAYER AND MEDITATION 