(A crucifix in the Basilica at Saragossa, Spain)

In meditation, we can lead our minds (or let the Holy Ghost lead us with His inspirations) from one thought to the next. During Passiontide, we can dwell on the thought of what Our Lord suffered for us, and how He didn't have to shed one drop of Blood if He didn't will it. He *chose* to suffer and die from the depths of His love. From there, we can dwell on the misery and horror of our sins and how sorry we are for them. And finally, we can finish with this joyous and encouraging thought!

"If after contemplating His Passion, you consider its effects; if you observe, that by His death the sins of men were blotted out, the anger of a sovereign Judge appeased, the powers of Hell defeated, death itself vanquished, the places of the fallen angels filled up in Heaven, your grief will be turned into joy -- and this joy will increase by reflecting on the joy which the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin, the Church Militant and Triumphant receive from the accomplishment of the great work of the Redemption of mankind."

~ Dom Lawrence Scupoli, The Spiritual Combat