Today's meditation: No example of virtue is absent from the cross

Was it necessary for the Son of God to suffer for us? A lot, and we can speak of a double necessity: as a remedy for sin and as an example in acting.
It was first of all a remedy, because it is in the passion of Christ that we find remedy against all the evils in which we can incur for our sins.
But no less is the usefulness that comes to us from his example. Indeed, Christ's passion is sufficient to guide our whole life.
Anyone who wants to live in perfection does nothing but despise what Christ despised on the cross, and desire what he desired. In fact, no example of virtue is absent from the cross.
If you are looking for an example of charity, remember: "Nobody has a greater love than this: to give one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15,13:XNUMX).
This did Christ on the cross. And therefore, if he has given his life for us, there must be no burden to sustain any harm to him.
If you are looking for an example of patience, you will find one that is most excellent on the cross. In fact, patience is judged to be great in two circumstances: either when one patiently endures great adversity, or when one advocates adversity that could be avoided, but not avoided.
Now Christ has given us on the cross the example of both. Indeed, "when he suffered he did not threaten" (1 Pt 2,23:8,32) and like a lamb he was led to death and did not open his mouth (cf. Acts 12,2:XNUMX). Great is therefore Christ's patience on the cross: «Let us run with perseverance in the race, keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus, author and perfector of the faith. In exchange for the joy that was placed before him, he submitted to the cross, despising ignominy "(Heb XNUMX: XNUMX).
If you are looking for an example of humility, look at the crucifix: God, in fact, wanted to be judged under Pontius Pilate and die.
If you are looking for an example of obedience, follow the one who made himself obedient to the Father until death: "As for the disobedience of one alone, that is, of Adam, all were made sinners, so also by the obedience of one all will be made righteous "(Rom 5,19:XNUMX).
If you seek an example of contempt for earthly things, follow the one who is the king of kings and the Lord of lords, "in whom all the treasures of wisdom and science are hidden" (Col 2,3). He is naked on the cross, mocked, sputtered, beaten, crowned with thorns, watered with vinegar and gall.
Therefore do not bind your heart to clothing and wealth, because "my clothing has been divided among them" (Jn 19,24:53,4); not to honors, because I have tried outrages and keystrokes (cf. Is 15,17); not to dignity, because they had a crown of thorns entwined, they put it on my head (cf. Mk 68,22:XNUMX), not to pleasures, because "when I was thirsty, they gave me vinegar to drink" (Ps XNUMX).