From A Conference...
Why did the Son of God have to suffer for us? There was a
great need, and it can be considered in a twofold way: in the first place, as a
remedy for sin, and secondly, as an example of how to act.
It is a remedy, for, in the face of all the evils which we
incur on account of our sins, we have found relief through the passion of
Christ. Yet, it is no less an example, for the passion of Christ completely
suffices to fashion our lives. Whoever wishes to live perfectly should do
nothing but disdain what Christ disdained on the cross and desire what He
desired, for the cross exemplifies every virtue.
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 His
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. Therefore Christ’s patience on the cross was great. In patience let us run for the prize set
before us, looking upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who, for
the joy set before Him, bore His cross and despised the shame.
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 even unto death. For
just as by the disobedience of one man, namely, Adam, many were made sinners,
so by the obedience of one man, many were made righteous.
If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow Him who is the King of kings and the Lord
of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Upon the cross He was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns,
and given only vinegar and gall to drink.
~St. Thomas Aquinas
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