the suffering christ 806 5. This being the case, let us give honor and continue to show supreme veneration to this wood (of the Cross), which our most loving and most merciful Savior made most glorious, most noble, and most sacred by affixing His body to it, by pouring His Blood, by suffering the most painful death, by the display of His greatest power. Nay more, [it is the Cross] through which He Himself was made more glorious and more powerful. And let us not avoid the crosses prepared for us, because one day we will attain through them glory, nobility, true sanctity, and a certain omnipotence. Therefore, the Cross; I repeat after the purple-clad (the Cardinal) Damian: “Whoever desires to be freed from all chains of the curse and to acquire a full blessing of new grace — I say — let him love the Cross, from which, one may see, emanates forth the beauty of this blessing. Through the Cross, may he commit himself to the commandments of God. Through the Cross, may the melody of the unbridled (passions of ) the flesh be restrained.”63 My crucified Jesus, I do not spurn the cross, but clasping with both arms, I give You a thousand kisses. My crucified Jesus, I wish to be nailed on the cross with You. Bring about what You have bidden me to do, that I may accomplish [it]. DISCOURSE VII The Death of Death Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed [H]is last. (Mk 15:37) Finally, the Word made flesh fell silent, and by His own will, He closed his mouth as He ended His life. The King and Creator of time has ended His days among mortals, and the Spirit, who 63 Petrus Damianus, Sermo De Inventione S. Crucis, in: B. Petri Damiani Monachi Ordinis S. Benedicti, S.R.E Cardinalis Episcopi Ostiensis, et Doctoris sanctissimi…, Opera, Romae 1606, t. II, 55.
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