This week we are finishing up with Book Two, The Interior Life. It is the longest one yet and it will probably take me at least a week to go through it. If you want further instruction in the Imitation of Christ, please get a copy of it at any bookstore, library, or read it online.
THE ROYAL ROAD OF THE HOLY CROSS (part one)
TO MANY the saying, "Deny thyself, take up thy cross and follow Me," seems hard, but it will be much harder to hear that final word: "Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire." Those who hear the word of the cross and follow it willingly now, need not fear that they will hear of eternal damnation on the day of judgment. This sign of the cross will be in the heavens when the Lord comes to judge. Then all the servants of the cross, who during life made themselves one with the Crucified, will draw near with great trust to Christ, the judge.
Why, then, do you fear to take up the cross when through it you can win a kingdom? In the cross is salvation, in the cross is life, in the cross is protection from enemies, in the cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness, in the cross is strength of mind, in the cross is joy of spirit, in the cross is highest virtue, in the cross is perfect holiness. There is no salvation of soul nor hope of everlasting life but in the cross. (In my small crosses, I have gone to a new level in my faith, a new understanding, a new deeper relationship with my God)
(So as I see it...we get: salvation, life, protection, heavenly sweetness, strength of mind, joy,virtue, and holiness!!! Our God is pretty awesome to give us these many graces!!!)
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