On the insults and mocking that our Lord suffered
On the insults and mocking that our Lord suffered
LORD JESUS CHRIST, Glory and Honor of the saints, I bless and thank you for the gross disrespect and sacrilegious treatment given you, when, after the sentence of death had been passed, you were disgracefully treated and shamefully mocked by abusive servants. With many a fierce blow they struck you on your head and face.
Your handsome face, upon which the angels gaze with delight, was grievously dishonored by the spittle of your mockers and was struck with heavy blows from their wide open hands. As a result the fresh blood flowing abundantly from your nostrils mingled with the tears streaming from your eyes.
Your pure neck was sorely bruised from the many punches of those striking you. Your eyes, ever so bright and always focused on the just, were blindfolded in mockery, as if you were a fool. Your venerable head, revered above all creatures, was harshly smitten by the corrupt hands of sinners, who scornfully shouted insults, saying: Prophesy unto us, O Christ, who is it that struck you?1
Lord, who is there that can hear of your multiple injuries and not sigh and feel sorrow in his heart? The suffering you endured was greater than what any ordinary man could bear, and surely the cruelty of those many insults pierce the loving hearts of the pious. You became a stranger to your friends; you were deserted by those you knew and became the object of your tormentors’ mockery and derision. They hated you without cause and winked their eyes at you.