Caritas comparatur arbori, de qua omnes virtutes procedunt, inter quas obediencia primatum tenet.
The Tree of Charity and Obedience
Christ uses the metaphor of a tree to explain that charity is the root of all virtues, with obedience as its highest expression.
Christ, the Son of God, says: "Just as a tree has many branches, but those higher up receive more heat and wind, it's the same with the virtues." Charity is like a tree from which all virtues grow, and among them, obedience holds the place of honor. For its sake, I, God Himself, didn't hesitate to endure the cross and death.
The Sweet Fruit of Surrender
God delights in the soul that practices humility and obedience by surrendering its own will, citing the examples of Abraham and Ruth.
That is why obedience is as sweet a fruit to me as it is; for just as the deepest peace is precious, so too is that person my dearest friend who, out of humility, submits to others and places their entire will into the hands of others. It pleases me, for the sake of her greater crown and for earning charity, that this lady obeys by letting go of her own will; Abraham became more beloved through his surrender of will, and Ruth became more renowned among the people of God because she didn't follow her own will.
A Promise of Sustenance
Christ promises to protect and nourish the faithful soul, granting her wisdom to live for His honor.
Christ speaks further: "She will not die, as the doctor said, but will live for a pleasing time, because I want to nourish her under the shelter of my right hand." I will give her wisdom, so she can bring me beloved flowers and live for my honor.
Read the original Latin
Christus, filius Dei, loquitur: "Sicut arbor habet multos ramos, hii autem, qui sublimiores sunt, plus recipiunt de ardore et vento, sic est eciam de virtutibus.
Caritas quippe est quasi arbor, de qua omnes virtutes procedunt, inter quas primatum tenet obediencia. Pro qua ego ipse Deus subire crucem et mortem non dubitaui.
Ideo obediencia est michi placita sicut fructus suauissimus, quia sicut pax pacatissima, sic et homo ille est michi amicissimus, qui se ex humilitate aliis subicit et velle suum totum ponit ad manus aliorum.
Ideo placet michi ad maiorem sui coronam et promerendam caritatem, quod domina ista obediat relinquendo voluntatem suam, quia Abraham ex voluntate sua factus est dileccior et Ruth in populo Dei clarior, quia voluntati proprie non obediuit."
Item loquitur Christus: "Non morietur ista, vt dixit medicus, sed viuet placito tempore, quia ego eam enutrire volo sub ascella dextre manus mee.
Et dabo ei sapienciam, vt afferat michi flores dilectos et viuat ad honorem meum."
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