Total Consecration

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30th Day

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St. Mathew: Chapter 27: 36-44

The Crucifixion

…and then sat down and stayed there keeping guard over him.

Above hs head was placed the charge against him; it read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” At the same time two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left.

The crucified Christ is mocked

The passers-by jeered at him; they shook their heads and said, “So you would destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days! Then save yourself! If you are God’s son, come down from the cross!” The chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him in the same way. “He saved others;” they said, “he cannot save himself. He is the king of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He puts his trust in God; now let God rescue him if he wants him. For he did say, “I am the son of God.”” Even the robbers who were crucified with him taunted him in the same way.

Imitation: Book 2, Chapter 12

Of the Royal Road of the Cross

To many the saying, “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me,” seems hard. How much harder, however, will the words on the Day of Judgement be: Depart from Me, you accursed ones, into the everlasting fire. (Matt. 25:41). Those who follow the cross willingly now, will not fear the last judgement. When the Lord comes to judge, the Sign of the Cross will be in the heavens; then will those servants of the cross, who in their life-time made themselves one with the Crucified, draw near with great trust to Christ, the judge.

Why are you afraid, then, to take up the cross when through it you can win an eternal kingdom? In the cross is salvation; in it is life; in it is protection from your enemies; in it is heavenly sweetness; in it is strength of mind; in it is joy of spirit; in it is the highest virtue; in the cross is perfect holiness.

Take up your cross and follow Jesus, and you will merit eternal life.