I understood Christ's passion as the greatest and overwhelming pain. And yet it was revealed to me in an instant, and it quickly became a consolation. For our good Lord would not have the soul frightened by this ugly sight...because of the tender love which our good Lord has for all who will be saved, he comforts readily and sweetly, meaning this: It is true that sin is the cause of all this pain, but all will be well, and every kind of thing will be well. These words were revealed most tenderly, showing no kind of blame to me or anyone... Julian of Norwich
Taught so well and so often that difficult was better - no guts, no glory; no pain, no gain - the readiness of Christ's forgiveness may embarrass us. Like Saint Peter when Jesus wants to wash his feet, the sense of Jesus' condescension is disorienting. But his passion is all love and mercy. This is what Julian of Norwich will name in another passage as Jesus' "courtesy." We are unworthy; his love alone makes us worthy.
