For you have been called to this,
because Christ suffered too
for you
leaving you a model
so that you might closely-follow
in his footsteps
who committed no sin
nor was deceit found on in his mouth 1
who although being insulted, did nor reply with an insult
although suffering, did not threaten
but he handed himself over to the one who judges justly,
who himself ‘bore the burden’ of our sins,2
in his body,
on the tree,
so being removed from sins
we might live to righteousness.
by whose wounding we are being healed 3
For you were wandering like sheep4
but now you have been turned
towards to the shepherd
and guardian of your souls.
Teach us, good Lord,
to serve thee as thou deservest;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and not to ask for any reward,
save that of knowing that we do thy will,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
St Ignatius