Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/733

   Fear  and  detest  sin,  for  it  is  a terrible  evil! If you  are  ever  tempted  to  commit  a mortal  sin,  put  to  yourself this question:  “Whom  shall  I choose,  Jesus  or  Barabbas?”  Make a firm resolution  never  to  commit  a grievous  sin  for  any  price which the  world  could  offer  you,  never  to  prefer  anything  to Jesus,  but  to  serve  Him  lovingly,  who  for  love  of  you  suffered such shame  and  torments.

When Pilate  asked  the  Jews:  “Why,  what  evil  hath  He  done?” they knew  not  what  to  answer. Let us  ask  our  Divine  Saviour: “What evil  hast  Thou  done  to  be  so  inhumanly  treated,  and  to die  such  a cruel  death?”  And  His  answer  would  be:  “I  loved you, therefore  did  I suffer  these  things. Behold the  greatness  of My  sufferings,  and  you  shall  behold  the  greatness  of  My  love. Will you  not  respond  to  this  love,  by  loving  Me  in  return?”

“I am  a king”,  said  Jesus,  though  He  knew  that  His  royal dignity would  procure  Him  no  other  crown  but  a crown  of  thorns, and no  throne  but  the  Cross. Look at  Him  earnestly,  and  with deep compassion. Look at  this  king  crowned  with  thorns! See how He  suffers,  how  He  is  ill-treated,  scoffed  at  and  mocked! See what  majesty  is  His! Behold, the  eternal  King  wears  a crown  of  thorns  for  love  of  us,  that  He  may  kindle  in  us  love  in return. He suffered  nameless  torments  to  merit  everlasting  joy for us. He endured  endless  indignities  to  win  for  us  eternal  honour. He wore  the  robe  of  scorn  to  clothe  us  with  imprishable  glory. His royal  dignity  is  one  of  love,  for  He  desires  to  be  king  of  our hearts. Shall He  not,  then,  be  our  king? Cast yourself  at  His Feet, and  promise  Him  that  you  will  love  Him  ever  more;  and that you  will  follow  His  steps  in  humility  and  patience.

Think what  a cowardly  and  disgraceful  thing  human  respect is, and  examine  your  conscience  whether  you  have  ever  done  evil or omitted  what  is  right  for  fear  of  the  wicked  of  unholy  people. Fear God,  and  be  afraid  of  no  man.

HEN the  soldiers  of  the  governor,  tearing  from  the  Body of  Jesus  His  purple  robe,  clothed  Him  again  in  His  own garments,  and  laid  the  Cross,  whereon  He  was  to  be  crucified,  upon