The Cross Walk: Self-Sacrifice Part 4

Central Features & Virtues Related to Self-Sacrifice

Jesus tells us to take up our cross daily.   As we have stated many times over, the cross is an instrument of capital punishment, of death.  To see someone carry a cross was a “dead giveaway” as to that person’s destiny.  Also, the person only had to carry his or her cross one time.  But Jesus transforms this Roman instrument of execution into a daily way of living and being for us as Christians.  Jesus redeems the meaning of the Cross and fills it with power and life.  Self-Sacrifice becomes the prominent mark of being Jesus’ disciple.   As with the dimension of Self-Denial, let’s look at some key features and virtues related to Self-Sacrifice.

But first, we need to underscore something important here as we proceed.   It is critical that we have a proper understanding and ordering of the spiritual life - inclusive also of Self-Denial and Self-Giving.   As we consider this account of the Widow’s Coins and the previous session’s Rich Young Ruler, we can’t help but compare these with one another.  It is understandable that we note the place that wealth, money and material possession plays in each account.   Yet, if we stop here, we will have rightly grasped the tip of the iceberg while failing to see the vast reality that lies in the depths.  The Cross Walk requires us to have eyes to see and hearts to comprehend the interior life.  

As we explore each aspect of the Cross Walk - Self-Denial, Self-Sacrifice and Self-Giving - we are looking at certain features along with corresponding virtues.  We do so not only to suggest possible actions and spiritual disciplines or practices, but to point to the transformation that is to be happening in the life of the soul.  The features that we review (and they are by no means exhaustive) are really about qualities and attributes of the interior life - of the soul.  Again, we are partaking of, participating in and being conformed to Jesus.   What is most differentiating between the Widow and the Rich Young Man is not their wealth but what is occurring in their interior life, the state of their soul.  The Rich Young Man had more material wealth, but the Widow had more spiritual wealth.   From the vantage point of the world and the flesh, the Widow was greatly lacking.  But from the vantage point of the spiritual life and of our Lord, the Young Man was found lacking.

I find these words of Dom Lorenzo Scupoli in his work Spiritual Combat:  How To Win Your Spiritual Battles and Attain Inner Peace inspiring. I can hear the Widow of Luke’s Gospel saying this to us today:

“Let everything be a means of leading you to God, and let nothing detain you on the way…Let all your labors be directed to your Lord.  Love Him, and give to Him your whole heart without fear, for He will find a good way to solve all your doubts and will restore you when you fall.  Lastly, in a word, if you will love Him, you shall possess all good.  Offer to God yourself for a sacrifice, in peace and quietness of spirit.” p. 198

Next time, we’ll unpack the spiritual practices associated with Self-Sacrifice. Blessings and much peace+