Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/272

 power, He  might  have  remitted  all  sin  without  assuming human  nature;  but  if  He  did  choose  to  unite  His divinity to  human  nature,  He  might  have  satisfied  the rigor of  His  Father's  justice  by  the  least  suffering  after His incarnation. But your  Redeemer  suffered  so  much in order  that  "  where  sin  abounded,  grace"  also  might " abound  more." (Rom. v.  20.)  He  wished  also  to  leave you a  perfect  example,  "  that  you  should  follow  His steps." (1 Peter  ii.  21.)

II. Christ suffered  in  every  scene  of  His  life. His pains commenced  in  the  manger,  and  they  were  continued in  His  circumcision,  and  during  His  flight  into Egypt. He suffered  from  hunger  and  thirst,  and  cold and nakedness. During His  passion  He  was  scourged at the  pillar,  crowned  with  thorns,  and  nailed  to  an  ignominious cross. He suffered  al'  this  for  His  enemies,  that is, for  all  sinners. Who ever  suffered  so  much  for  his friends? Hence the  Church,  unable  to  restrain  her  feelings of  gratitude  and  admiration,  gives  vent  to  them  in the  enthusiastic  words,  on  the  eve  of  Easter,  "  O  happy fault,  which  deserved  to  have  such  and  so  great  a  Redeemer."

III. What return  ought  you  to  make  to  such  a  Redeemer? Ask yourself,  with  St.  Bernard,  "If  I  owe  my whole  self  to  God  for  having  been  created,  what  more shall  I  add  for  having  been  restored,  and  restored,  too, in  such  a  manner?  For  I  was  not  so  easily  restored  as created." Consider yourself  henceforward  as  the  servant of  Jesus  Christ;  thank  Him  for  the  favor  He  has bestowed on  you,  and  surrender  yourself  entirely  to His  service. Reflect often  on  the  admonition  of  the Apostle, "  You  are  bought  with  a  great  price;  glorify  and bear  God  in  your  body." (1 Cor.  vi.  20.)