Gave Even More

(The Empyrean by Gustave Doré)

“Thus it was up to God, to Him alone in His own ways – by one or both, I say – to give man back his whole life and perfection.

But since a deed done is more prized the more it manifests within itself the mark of the loving heart and goodness of the doer,

the Everlasting Love, whose seal is plain on all the wax of the world was pleased to move in all His ways to raise you up again.

There was not, nor will be, from the first day to the last night, an act so glorious and so magnificent, on either way.

For God, in giving Himself that man might be able to raise himself, gave even more than if he had forgiven him in mercy.”

~Dante