Lignum vitae

Jesus, made like the Fathers.

5. On the eighth day indeed the boy is circumcised and called Jesus, that, hastening to pour out the price of his blood for you, he might show himself your most true Savior, promised to the Fathers both in word and in sign, and made like them in all things except ignorance and sin. For this reason he also received the seal of circumcision, just as coming he appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh, that of sin he might condemn sin, and become for us salvation and everlasting justice, taking his beginning from humility, which is the root and guardian of all virtues. Why then are you proud, earth and ashes? The innocent Lamb, who takes away the sins of the world, does not shrink from the branding of circumcision; and you, though you are a sinner, when you pretend to be just, flee the remedy of eternal salvation, to which you can in no way attain unless you are willing to follow the humble Savior.

Jesus, shown to the Magi.

6. When the Lord was born in Bethlehem of Juda, a star appeared to the Magi in the east and led them with guiding brightness as far as the house of the humble King. Do not now turn aside from the splendor of that eastern and guiding star, but rather, made a companion of the holy kings, receive the Scripture of the Jews bearing witness to Christ, and shun the malice of the deceitful king. With gold, frankincense and myrrh venerate Christ the king as true God and man, and with the firstfruits of the nations to be called to faith adore, confess and praise the humble God lying in the cradle, so that, warned in sleep not to follow the pride of Herod, you may return to your country following in the footsteps of the humble Christ.

Jesus, made subject to the laws.

7. It was not enough for the master of perfect humility, though in all things equal to the Father, to subject himself to the most lowly Virgin, unless he also submitted himself to the Law, so that he might redeem those who were under the Law and free them from the slavery of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. For this reason he willed that his Mother, though most pure, should observe the law of purification, and that he himself, the Redeemer of all, as the firstborn should be redeemed, offered in the temple of God, and a sacrifice given for him, while just men were present and rejoicing. Rejoice therefore with that blessed old man and Anna of great age; go forth to meet the Mother and the Child; let love conquer shame, let affection cast out fear. Take up the Infant in your arms and say with the bride: "I held him, and I will not let him go." Exult with that most holy old man and sing: "Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace."

Jesus, driven from the kingdom.

8. Since perfect humility is fittingly adorned above all by the company of three virtues, namely poverty in fleeing riches as the fuel of pride, patience in calmly enduring contempt, and obedience in obeying the commands of others: therefore by divine disposal, with a higher counsel permitting, while the wicked Herod seeks the little king to destroy him, by the oracle of revelation from above he is carried into Egypt as a pilgrim and a pauper, and at the same time, in the little children of his age slain for his sake, he is slain and as it were butchered in each one. At last, Herod being dead, according to the divine command he is brought back into the land of Juda, and there living and growing in age and grace, he dwelt with his parents and was so subject to them that he never withdrew even for a moment, except when, now twelve years old, he remained in Jerusalem, sought not without much sorrow of his Mother nor found again without immense joy.

Do not then leave the Mother and the Child fleeing into Egypt to go without company; do not cease from seeking until you find, with the beloved seeking the beloved. O with what abundance would tears flow, if with pious eyes you beheld so venerable a Lady and so gracious a maiden a pilgrim with so tender and beautiful a little Boy; if you also heard that sweet rebuke of the most loving Mother of God: "Son, why hast thou done so to us?" as if she said: Most beloved Son, how could you give to a Mother so devoted to you and loving you so great a cause of sorrow!