Although All Shall Be Scandalized In Thee, I Will Never Be Scandalized

VOUET, Simon 

The Last Supper 

1615-20

And Peter answering, said to him: Although all shall be scandalized in thee, I will never be scandalized. Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee, that in this night before the cock crow, thou wilt deny me thrice. Peter saith to him: Yea, though I should die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner said all the disciples.Mt.xxvi

But Peter saith to him: Although all shall be scandalized in thee, yet not I. And Jesus saith to him: Amen I say to thee, today, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shall deny me thrice.But he spoke the more vehemently: Although I should die together with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner also said they all Mk.xiv

The Apostles after the Communion of the body of our Lord had made a firm resolution to live well, and were fervent, and followed Christ, as thou often times, especially after the receiving of the holy Eucharist, dost seriously resolve to amend thy life, but in time of consolation thou must also think of the time of desolation, and of the expectation of contrary things, least thou shouldest desist from prayer through vain confidence; resolve therefore to do well, but before God, and praying for his help, be vigilant and observe all thine own actions; be not rash nor negligent, for if the prince of the Apostles did slip being the foundation & rock of the Church, who spake confidently out of his love and charity, how can he stand that through pride and ambition, or for some other cause hath too much confidence in him self, & that doth seldom resolve to amend his life, nor set God before his eyes?

Contemplate here also that the sorrow of Christ was not small, to leave his Disciples whom he loved so dearly, troubled & sorrowful for his departure.

This place is very fit to meditate upon those things which a man feeleth in time of consolation, as quietness of mind, joy, illustration of the understanding &c.

And contrary wise on such things as he feeleth in time of desolation, as perturbation, sorrowfulness, and darkness of understanding, to the end that he may in time of prosperity propose unto himself such good things, as in adversity he shall not change.

Pray unto Christ that he never forsake thee in time of adversity.

Fr. Francis Costerus S.J. 1616