The custom of meditating on the Passion has its origins in the very beginnings of Christianity. Many of the faithful of Jerusalem of the first hour would have an indelible memory of the sufferings of Jesus, since they themselves were present at Calvary. They would never forget the passage of Christ through the streets of the city on the eve of that Passover.
What a rich gain, how much profit we shall derive! For in contemplating Him sarcastically adored, with gestures and actions, and made the target of mockery, and after this farce slapped and subjected to the last torments, even if you were harder than a stone, you will become softer than wax, and you will cast all pride from your soul.
St. Thomas Aquinas used to say: "the Passion of Christ is enough to serve as a guide and model for our whole life "7. And visiting St. Bonaventure one day, St. Thomas asked him from what books he had drawn such good doctrine as he expounded in his works. It is said that St. Bonaventure presented him with a Crucifix, already blackened by the many kisses he had given it, and said: "This is the book that dictates to me all that I write; the little that I know here I have learned "8. 8 In it the saints learned to suffer and to love truly. In it we must learn. "Your Crucifix. -As a Christian, you should always carry your Crucifix with you. And place it on your work table.
And when the poor body rebels against your soul, kiss it too "9.
The Passion of the Lord should be a frequent theme of our prayer, but especially so in these days already close to the central mystery of our redemption.
HCD