Tractatus Prior, Pars Altera, Cap. 23. De insigni titulo nominis lESV super caput eius posito.

Tractatus Prior, Pars Altera, Cap. 23. De insigni titulo nominis lESV super caput eius posito.

I bless you and give thanks to you, Lord Jesus Christ, ruler of all power and king of the entire creation, for the remarkable title of your sacred and blessed name, which is openly placed upon the top of your head. This title, elegantly inscribed by the judge Pilate in three of the most famous languages of the world—Hebrew, Greek, and Latin—reads: JESUS OF NAZARETH, KING OF THE JEWS. O truly remarkable title, not devised by human cleverness, but rather foreseen and inspired by divine ordination from eternity. Therefore, Pilate could not have written anything different, nor should he have, than what was inscribed, since he was formed by you inspiring him. Therefore, the mystical meaning of this title is found in the distinguished books of the prophets, expressed with their own words. Therefore, as the sacred scripture had long foretold and as a clear reputation had spread about the glory of your nourishing name, the Gentile governor, inspired by divine instinct, inscribes this on a brief tablet for the perpetual remembrance of the Crucified: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. When many of the Jews read this title, their envy flared up, and the chief priests could not bear that the glory of your name should be proclaimed, so they worked with all their might to suppress it and, what’s more foolish, to extinguish life along with the name. For this reason, they confront Pilate as judge about such a significant title, saying: "Don't write: King of the Jews," but because he himself said, "I am the King of the Jews." They were afraid of being confused and having the crime of cruelty attributed to them, since they had crucified their own king. And so they asked for the title to be changed, so that it wouldn’t appear that Jesus was crucified because of their wickedness, but rather because of the guilt of claiming to be a king, when he had done nothing to deserve royal dignity in this world. O most wicked Jews, it is not as you pretend; rather, you are indeed the principal murderers of the Son of God in all matters. You have no excuse, even if you try to cover up this great crime with clever tricks. For you have denied the just and innocent man before the face of Pilate! ,,. You asked for a murderer to be granted to you. Now, indeed, you've come here to share in the truth of the title and to appear as blameless. But Pilate, in the death of the Lord, is much more innocent for you, in writing the title he is also more truthful, and in responding to your envy he has become more steadfast, and he says: What I have written, I have written. If you want to read, read; but if you want to let go, then you won't take me away from the judgment once made. What I have written, I have written. I didn't write this title based on your advice, nor will I change it because of your objections; it will remain as I have declared. God inspired it, not man. Therefore, I want it to be established and I declare it to be true; I cannot be swayed by any persuasion, but I announce and command its dignity to be proclaimed in all languages and to all peoples: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. O noble leader, you have written excellently and responded rightly to them. I praise you because you crafted such a beautiful and sacred title about Jesus of Nazareth and boldly refuted the Jews; but I do not praise you for consenting to the death of Christ, for you have greatly sinned by doing this. Learn, too, you devoted disciple of Jesus, to wisely reflect on the words of this sacred title, to read them carefully, and to speak them reverently; for reading this title—Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews—holds great power against the fear of the enemy. Make the sign of the holy cross, marking your forehead and chest, and reverently read the words of this title; you'll feel a notable help in times of fear and anxious need. For the power of Christ and faith in God will not allow you to be in danger when you call upon the name of Jesus: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. No words can fully express the sweetness of this most worthy title, nor can any mind adequately meditate on it. However, these four words lead the whole world into the veneration of the divine name. Therefore, all the rulers of the world, all the tribes and peoples, listen, read, and say: Hail, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, who suffered for the salvation of all people. O Jesus of Nazareth, shining light of the Virgin Mary, O illustrious son of David, only-begotten of the Most High Father, write sweet and glorious name of yours on the tablet of my heart firmly and beautifully, with the sacred and illustrious title of your passion containing the cause of your death, so that I may diligently contemplate it and more frequently read it for the praise of your revered name. Let this title be a heartfelt comfort to me in my troubles and a unique defense against the onslaught of temptations. May a wicked spirit depart from me, may the heat of desire perish, and may the whole world become bitter to me when I think or read: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. Nothing is sweeter than Jesus, nothing is healthier, nothing is more effective. Nothing is purer than Jesus the Nazarene, nothing more genuine or holier. There’s nothing more worthy, powerful, or exalted than the King of the Jews. No enemy will stand against me, no plague will infect me, and no calamity will overwhelm me, since I humbly call upon you, Jesus, recalling your passion, or reflecting on this title in my mind and with my mouth: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. O Jesus, most loving, you are my King and my sweet God, and you are worthy of all praise. You are sweet in the manger, sweeter on the cross, and sweetest on the throne of your kingdom. Although you were crucified in the weakness of the flesh, you now live by the power of God, sitting at the right hand of the Father, exalted above all creation forever. Amen.