About caryana.Org

Commentaries on the News

A Program of Spiritual Formation for Candidates to the Priesthood

The Lay Monastic Community of Caryana


 
 
 

Search

 

 

 


COMMANDS OF CHRIST


 

 

DENY YOURSELF

To deny oneself is so contrary to human nature. That is why it is difficult. But, just like any other command of Christ, obedience to it guarantees Christ's assistance. So, it really is easy.

In everyday life, it is observable that, when we like what we are doing, we are capable of great things; the mountain climber, the sea adventurer, the lovers of money, will undergo great inconveniences to attain their goals. But, of course, we are the kind of person by what we love.

So, let's carefully choose what we love. If we choose to love God, then we become divine.

We must choose to love Christ because from Him comes happiness, perfect peace and lasting security. The road to holiness seems rough, but it only "seems" so. With His promised help, it becomes very easy. The way is indeed narrow, but, with His help, it becomes wide. It is hard but, with His help, it becomes easy. The road to evil, on the other hand, seems easy; but, in truth, it is difficult. 

To be exalted is every man's desire; so be it. But do it the Christian way: deny yourself. The Zebedees wanted to be exalted: "Lord, let me sit on your right. . ." they wanted to be exalted without having to deny themselves. Christ gives the condition: "Can you drink the cup. . ." a life of self-denial and suffering and martyrdom. 

Christ's command: "To deny oneself, take up one's cross and follow Me" is a command to be martyrs. "Once you follow Me, by conforming your lives to My commandments, many will contradict you, forbid you and dissuade you from obeying My commands. And these persecutions can be so violent and end up in martyrdom: ". . .and follow me."

 

 

(01-15-03)

[ Home ]  [ Commands of Christ-Main ]  [ Return to Top ]  [ Continue ] 



 


The Winnowing Fan hopes ..." to do what little it could to solve the evils that beset the church."

                                                                                        - Teresa of Avila

 


Winnowing Fan and Guadalupe Series are owned and Copyrighted by S. of G. Foundation.
Articles therein maybe freely copied, distributed and re-published in full or in part without written authorization provided appropriate acknowledgement is made.  

 © 2001, caryana.org All rights reserved