THE COMMANDS OF CHRIST ARE NOT HARD TO OBEY

There is the common impression that to follow Christ is difficult. This thought couldn't come except from the evil one. 

The commands of Christ seem harsh and even sound impossible but, in fact, they are very easy to obey because He who gave the commands promises to help carry them out. And, with Him, nothing is impossible . . . and, in fact, becomes sweet and light.

The following of Christ is really a tough and fearsome journey. It is filled with affliction, persecutions and hardships. But it surely leads to perfect happiness, peace and freedom from fear.

St. Paul warns us: if we wish to abide with Christ, we ought to walk as He walked. And Christ walked with the two feet of humility and charity. If you walk with humility and charity, you will eventually be exalted. He who tries to be exalted without humility and charity is taking a step too big; he will surely fall.

To follow Christ is a declaration of war with the devil. So, the evil one will oppose, mock and persecute you; and he will use unbelievers and those who, to all appearances, belong to the body of Christ to stop you from following Christ. Bad Christians always persecute good Christians. 

The cross is the culmination of the following of Christ. It is the exaltation of humiliation. 

St. Caesarius of Arles

(10-27-02)