In the passion of our blessed Saviour, six things chiefly are to be meditated upon.

  • First, the bitterness of his sorrow, that we may compassionate with him.
  • Secondly, the greatness of our sins, which were the cause of his torments, that we may abhor them.
  • Thirdly, the greatness of the benefit, that we may be grateful for it.
  • Fourthly, the excellency of the divine charity and bounty therein manifested, that we may love him more fervently.
  • Fifthly, the conveniency of the mystery, that we may be drawn to admiration of it.
  • Lastly, the multiplicity of virtues of our blessed Saviour which did shine in this stupendous mystery, that we may partly imitate and partly admire them.

–Saint Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)