Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/217

 without doubt  exulted,  and  with  greater  reason  than did afterwards  His  disciple  St. Andrew, who,  as  St.  Bernard writes,  addressed  his  cross  to  this  effect,  "  Welcome, precious  cross,  long-wished  for,  entirely  beloved,  and now  at  last  prepared  to  my  heart's  desire." He then embraced it,  and  took  it  on  His  shoulders. What shouting and  laughter  arose  on  that  occasion  among  the people! For His  greater  ignominy  two  thieves  are led along  with  Him;  but  with  what  difference  both  of countenance  and  disposition  of  mind  do  they  bear  their several crosses! Think whom  you  would  wish  to  imitate in carrying  yours.

III. "And bearing  His  own  cross,  He  went  forth" (John xix.  17),  between  two  thieves,  and  preceded  by  a public  crier  announcing  the  cause  of  His  condemnation. Thus did  Isaac  formerly  carry  on  his  shoulders  the  wood for the  sacrifice,  of  which  his  father  had  destined  him  to be  the  victim. See how  the  tender  and  feeble  members of your  Saviour  sink  under  the  weight! He falls  again and again! O angels  of  heaven! why do  you  not  ease Him of  His  burden? Your sins  were  more  burdensome to Him  than  was  even  His  cross;  "  for  the  Lord  hath laid  on  Him  the  iniquity  of  us  all." (Is. liii.  6.)

I. As  soon  as  Christ  was  sentenced  to  death,  the  news was probably  conveyed  to  His  blessed  mother  by  some one of  His  disciples. Ponder how,  on  this  occasion,  the prophecy of  Simeon  was  fully  verified;  for  her  soul  was truly pierced  with  the  sword  of  sorrow. She might  well have applied  the  affecting  expressions  of  David,  in  regard to  his  son  Absalom,  to  her  suffering  Son:  "My Son  Jesus,  Jesus,  my  Son,  would  to  God  that  I  might  die