§1432The human heart is heavy and hardened. God must give man a new heart.25 Conversion is first of all a work of the grace of God who makes our hearts return to him: "Restore us to thyself, O LORD, that we may be restored!"26 God gives us the strength to begin anew. It is in discovering the greatness of God's love that our heart is shaken by the horror and weight of sin and begins …

2. But that what I say may become clearer, we must needs in what follows attend to the very words. What then are these? I make known unto you, brethren, says he, the gospel which I preached unto you. Do you see with what modesty he commences? Do you see how from the beginning he points out that he is bringing in no new nor strange thing? For he who makes known that which was al…

1. There are many things characteristic of Christianity: but more than all, and better than all, Love towards one another, and Peace. Therefore Christ also says, My peace I give unto you. John 14:27 And again, By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35 Therefore Paul too says, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, that is, purit…

1. On the day after tomorrow, Friday next, the liturgy of the Church is concentrated with particular adoration and love around the mystery of the Heart of Christ. Today, therefore, anticipating this day and this feast, already, together with you, I wish to turn the eyes of our hearts to the Mystery of that Heart. It has spoken to me ever since my youth. Every year I return to t…

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. Calvin treats the passion narrative with deep reverence. The inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" was, despite Pilate's intention, a true proclamation. The seamless coat for which the soldiers cast lots fulfills Psalm 22. Christ's cry "It is finished" is not a groan of defeat but a shout of triumph — the work of r…