examination of the heart 554 Already carrying the Cross for Himself, the most loving Athlete ascends to the place, which we call Calvary (cf. Jn 19:17). Accompany Him, my soul! – for the Most Holy Mother also accompanies Him – and desire to help Him carry the Cross as the most chaste Mother also desires, but is not able. You are able, by bearing joyfully the spiritual cross. 2. Since you, my soul, already arrived with Christ the Lord at the place of execution, look at the great cruelty with which the soldiers rip off the garment, glued to His Most Holy Body with dried blood! (cf. Jn 19:23). After Christ was flogged so atrociously at the pillar, He put on His tunic, woven in one piece from top to bottom (cf. Jn 19:23), which so adhered to the wounds with His congealed blood that it had to be ripped off with great effort. Hence, when it was torn off, His whole body appeared as one wound: the entire Jesus bled, so that it was impossible to see on all of His body even a spot as large as a needle prick that would be intact, unhurt or untouched. Learn from this to rid yourself of your self-love, of your own will, and your own judgment. At the same time, make all possible effort to rid yourself of evil habits and abstain from them. 3. Consider the kind of cruelty with which the executioners fasten Christ the Lord to the Cross, thrown forth on the earth, [f.182r] and place the King of the universe for the greatest derision between two thieves! Hear also how the impious people harass Him, laugh at Him, and blaspheme Him (cf. Mt 27:38-44; Mk 15:27-32; Lk 23:33). On the other hand, look at Him praying for His enemies (cf. Lk 23:34); gifting a thief with paradise (cf. Lk 23:43); entrusting the disciple to the Mother as a son, and the most chaste Mother to the most chaste disciple as a Mother (cf. Jn 19:26-27); invoking the help of His eternal Father (cf. Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34); thirsting for your salvation (cf. Jn 9:28); commending His soul to the Father, equal to Himself; bringing to an end the work of our salvation and exhaling His divine soul. Ponder here the sorrows of the most Holy Mother, of the beloved disciple, of the loving Magdalene, and the tears of other
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==