|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
<h3>What is "Dying to Self?"</h3>
Jan
14
Written by:
Sunday, January 14, 2007
2nd Sunday Ordinary Time
January 14, 2007
This week I want to share with you a clipping that can help us understand in practical every day terms what Christ meant when he said we must "die to ourselves." There are so many opportunities to practice this: it is an art, the Holy Spirit is the teacher, and the reward is personal freedom in the Spirit! I think the journey of life has much to do with getting ourselves off the center stage so the Lord can dwell more fully within us there.
Father Gary
When you can see your brother or sister prospering and can honestly rejoice with him or her, and feel no envy even though your needs are greater –
that is dying to self.
When you are forgotten and neglected and you don't dwell on the insult but can remain happy –
that is dying to self.
When you lovingly and patiently bear disorder, irregularity, tardiness, and annoyance ...and endure it as Jesus endured –
that is dying to self.
When you are content not to refer to yourself in a conversation, or publicize your own good works, or yearn for praise after an accomplishment, when you can love being unknown –
that is dying to self.
When your advice is disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart: when you choose to forgive –
that is dying to self.
When you are able to be content with any food, any offering, any climate –
that is dying to self.
When you can take correction, when you can be silent, when necessary, when you do not feel the need to justify yourself to others unnecessarily –
that is dying to self.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|