The Father has different arrangements for each. For we did not choose him but he chose us and appointed places for us; and in the place of each one’s appointment there he is too. Thus one repentant woman was allotted a place at the feet of the Lord Jesus, another—if she really is another—found fulfillment for her devotion at his head. Thomas attained to this mystery of grace in the Savior’s side, John on his breast, Peter in the Father’s bosom, Paul in the third heaven.
Who among us can see the difference between these various merits, or rather rewards? But in order to draw attention to what is known to us all, I suggest that the first woman took her rest on the secure ground of humility, the second on the seat of hope, Thomas in firm faith, John in the breadth of charity, Paul in the insights of wisdom, Peter in the light of truth. There are many rooms therefore in the [Father’s] house.
Bernard of Clairvaux, On the Song of Songs II, Sermon 23 “In the Rooms of the King,” v. 9, 10 (CF 4, p. 34)
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