With all my strength, I would follow the humble Jesus. I desire to hold in an embrace of vicarious love him who “loved me and gave himself up for me.” Yet I must also eat the Pashcal lamb. For unless I eat his flesh and drink his blood, I shall have no life in me. It is one thing to follow Jesus; it is another to hold him; yet another to eat him. To follow is a wholesome counsel. To hold and embrace is solemn joy. To eat is blessed life.
SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX Letter 190 to Pope Innocent, in S. Bernardi Opera, 8:38
