He Did Not Open His Mouth

Today let us take a look at guarding our emotions.  How many times have we said, “I can’t do what I used to do?  I miss being active.  I don’t like being ill all the time.  Why am I the one?   Many people have lost relatives, but I’ve lost my only son/daughter or partner in life.”  Instead, why not think of the opportunities for prayer.  We need prayer warriors!  We need saints to share their suffering with that of Christ.

               If you seek the example of love: Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends.  Such a man was Christ on the cross.  And if he gave his life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for sake.

               If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross.  Great patience occurs in two ways: either when one patiently suffers much, or when one suffers things which one is able to avoid and yet does not avoid.  Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently, because when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth.  Christ’s patience on the cross was great.

               If you seek an example of humility, look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be judged by Pontius Pilate and to die.

               If you seek an example of obedience, follow him who became obedient to the Father unto death.  For just as by the disobedience of one man many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one many, many were made righteous.

               If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow him who is the King of kings and Lord of lords.  On the cross he was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns, and given only vinegar and gall to drink.

               So, for lent, follow the path of Jesus.  Do not be attached to clothing and riches, they divided my garments among themselves.  Nor to honors, for he experienced harsh words and scourging.  Nor to greatness of rank, for weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head. Nor to anything delightful, for in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

               If you are to give up something for Lent, then give up letting your thoughts go wherever they wish, give up being too busy to listen and spend time with God, gain control of your emotions and think of what you can do, what you do have.                        kvs with Thomas Aquinas.