April 14th
Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471), Confessor; Kempen, Germany

Lord Jesus Christ, Creator of all things and Giver of all good things, I bless and thank You for enduring Your violent disrobing and, amid mockery, the ripping off of Your clothing....By doing without Your clothes You clearly indicate what I must do when something I deem necessary is taken from me.  You want me to be prepared to prefer temporal losses rather than to seek whatever is legitimately due me....

To meditate on such great affliction arouses compassion in us and to witness such great endurance invites us to imitation.  Therefore, show more patience when something you consider a necessity has been taken from you, or when what you deeply desire is denied you....

Grant me, as your seamless garment is its sign, to preserve the unity of brotherly love in the bond of peace and, for the love of interior peace, to reject all that may lead to dissension.  May I avoid the bustle of this world, abstain from wandering about, and engaging in useless gossip, and may I desire to lead a pure and hidden life with You.  Let me not crave worldly happiness or want to own things.  While You were on this earth You possessed no worldly goods, and the little that You seemed to use to fulfill Your needs, even this You permitted the despoilers to take from You and disperse.  In this manner You give an example of patience to all who suffer wrongs done to them, lest they yield to inordinate sadness over the loss of their belongings.