October 31
Companions of the Way (Morning)Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross.
SEEKING for happiness, craving for good, we grasp at pleasure and turn away from pain. God must teach us better, and to do so He shows us the root and basis of His own. Stripping off His infinitude, and taking infirmity like ours, He bids us look and see! The only happiness He has, or can bestow, bears martyrdom within it. If He does not suffer, it is only that His life is perfect; His love has no hindrance, no shortcoming, and can turn all sacrifice to joy. . . .
It is sacrifice binds us to God, and makes us most like Him; sacrifice that to us is sorrow, wanting life and love; but to Him, supreme in both, is joy.
SUFFERING
When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord.