Christian Mission and Poverty

Chapter 4: Holy Poverty

103

Out of his misery he gave you great wealth. From the narrow wood of the cross he extended his generosity to everyone. By tasting the bitterness of the gall he gave you the most perfect sweetness. From his sadness he gave you consolation. He was nailed to the cross to loose you from the chains of deadly sin. By becoming a servant he rescued you from slavery to the devil and set you free. He was sold to ransom you with his blood. By choosing death for himself he gave you life.

“Out of his misery he gave you great wealth.”

How truly, then, has he given you love as your rule by showing you more love than you could ever show, giving his life for you who were enemies to him and to me the high eternal Father . . . He gave you true humility as your rule by humbling himself in his shameful death on the cross. He gave you lowliness as your rule by suffering such disgrace and great reproach. And he gave you true