Then said I: Behold I come: in the head of the book it is written of me: that I should do thy will, O God…sacrifices, and oblations, and holocausts for sin thou wouldest not, neither are they pleasing to thee, which are offered according to the law. Then said I: Behold, I come to do thy will, O God:

Who, having joy set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and now sitteth on the right hand of the throne of God.

Christ's willing embrace of suffering and death is the fulcrum of history. Yet, how does one understand this enigma? A sadistic meaning of life? A vengeful Father God pouring out wrath for sin on His Son?

Rather, St Thomas suggests, it was the greatest and most perfect act of love in history. Christ, who so dearly loves His Father counted, all comfort and security as unimportant next to fidelity to His Father’s will. St Isaac of Syria similarly maintains that rather than simply a response to sin, Christ came to show His great love for all.