He received the spittings of insulters, who with His spittle had a little before made eyes for a blind man.
And He in whose name the devil and his angels is now scourged by His servants, Himself suffered scourgings!
He was crowned with thorns, who crowns martyrs with eternal flowers.
He was smitten on the face with palms, who gives the true palms to those who overcome.
He was despoiled of His earthly garment, who clothes others in the vesture of immortality.
He was fed with gall, who gave heavenly food.
He was given to drink of vinegar, who appointed the cup of salvation.
That guiltless, that just One—nay, He who is innocency itself and justice itself—is counted among transgressors, and truth is oppressed with false witnesses.
He who shall judge is judged; and the Word of God is led silently to the slaughter.
And when at the cross, of the Lord the stars are confounded, the elements are disturbed, the earth quakes, night shuts out the day, the sun…He speaks not, nor is moved, nor declares His majesty even in His very passion itself.
Even to the end, all things are borne perseveringly and constantly, in order that in Christ a full and perfect patience may be consummated.
And after all these things, He still receives His murderers, if they will be converted and come to Him.
And with a saving patience, He who is benignant to preserve, closes His Church to none.
–Saint Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200-258)
