Based on the Writing of St. Francis de Sales
Translated and somewhat amplified by
The Most Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, O.S.F.S,
Superior General of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
The "Way of the Cross" of suffering and affliction is a sure way, one
which leads to God and to the perfection of his love if we are faithful.
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The Cross is from God, but it is only "cross" if we do not join ourselves to
it; for when we are strongly resolved to desire the cross which God gives to
us then it is no longer a "cross" at all. If it is from God, why do we not
desire it?
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The Cross has been sanctified because it was the instrument which Jesus used
for our Redemption. All Christians who aspire to heaven must take up the
cross of the Lord and follow him. This will mean walking in his steps,
imitating his virtues and having but one purpose and goal: his.
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Notice the infinite goodness of the Savior who wished to die the death of
men and women so as to enable us to live according to the original
expectation for Adam, that is, to live God's life. But to better grasp the
humility of Our Lord, listen to what St. Paul writes: "Though he was God's
Son, he emptied himself." (Phil. 2:6-7 freely) O, God, but it is wondrous
that the Eternal Word should empty himself and set aside his proper glory
for his creatures who measure up so poorly to his love!
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The Mother of Christ seeks out her Son who is the life of her life. And why
does she seek him out? To be ever near him, her Son and her God.
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The evangelists do not name the majority of people who figure in the
Passion. But they do recall the name of Simon who helps our Lord carry his
cross. The cross is the royal gate by which we enter the temple of holiness.
Love this altogether precious cross; look upon it with eyes of love.
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I reflect upon the manner in which the Lord suffers. In his heart, he
suffers willingly, with patience and love. The cross is a remedy capable of
healing all our evils.
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He suffers in order to witness to his love for us. O, how great is his love!
Lord, I do not know if I have any love at all, but if I do, it is so little
that it is content to shed a single tear; and it believes itself perfected
when it utters a few sighs. And yet, O Good God, how much I insist and
protest that I want to love you and give you my entire heart!
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Christ has made it clear that he loves our tears when they are caused by
love. If we have tears, let us cry them altogether simply, because we
certainly could not have a more worthy subject over which to cry.
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My iniquity is indeed great. O, Lord, who will deliver me from this
labyrinth if not you? We would have reason to fear if we relied on our own
strength. For he is for us.
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Christ stripped teaches us what we must do to please him: strip our hearts
of all sorts of unworthy affections and pretenses, no longer loving them but
desiring nothing other than him.
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The Son of God is nailed to the Cross. What puts him there? Certainly it is
love. Well, since it is certain that he died for us the least we ought to do
for him is to live from love. He who wants to kiss Christ must mount his
cross and be wounded by the thorns of his crown.
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Our Lord chose the death of the Cross to witness to his Love. There he
offered himself in love, unto love, by love and of love.
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Love draws all the pains, torments, sufferings, sorrows, wounds, passion,
Cross of our Lord into the heart of his holy Mother. The sword of death
which cut through the body of this well-beloved Son also cut through the
heart of this all loving Mother.
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Love and death co-penetrate one another in the Savior's passion. We must die
to every other love in order to live from Jesus' love, so that we may not
die eternally.
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That we may live in your eternal love, O Savior of our souls, we sing
eternally, "Live, Jesus! Jesus is the one I love! Live, Jesus, you whom I
love. I love Jesus who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen!"
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