you may learn mildness and charity towards all and on all occasions.
FRIDAY.
Second Word, "This Day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise."
I. It was none of the least ignominies which Christ suffered, to be suspended between two thieves. On this occasion was fulfilled the oracle of Isaias, " He was reputed with the wicked." (Is. liii. T2.) Our Saviour was born in a stable, between two brute beasts, and He died between two thieves, to inculcate the necessity of humility; although in Heaven He be seated between the Father and the Holy Ghost. St. Ambrose observes, " that Christ himself was a thief in mystery, since He has robbed our enemy the devil of his weapons, and snatched from him one of the thieves on His cross." Pray that He may rob you of your heart, and that henceforward it may be devoted to Him alone.
IT. "This day thou shalt be with Me in paradise." Admire the riches of God's bounty, and His forbearance. He selects an infamous robber, and makes him heir to His kingdom, and He does this without any delay, and at the first word: "This day thou shalt be with Me in paradise." He gives the thief incomparably more than lie asked of Him; for he only asked to be remembered in His kingdom. St. Ambrose again remarks: "Our Lord ever bestows more than is demanded of Him, and His grant is greater than the petition." Who would not willingly love and serve so good and bounteous a Lord?
III. On this occasion there were three kinds of sufferers. One suffered deservedly and impatiently, viz..
