Renounce Self and Find Christ

   “My child, renounce yourself and you shall find Me.”  (Thomas á Kempis, “The Imitation of Christ”)

   Jesus taught, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9: 23).  The writings of theologians and saints tell me that I must renounce myself if I am to truly find Christ.

   I sincerely desire to know and follow Jesus so I must take these words to heart, but what does that mean in today’s world?  It means I must suppress my pride and recognize that without God I am nothing.  Without His love and concern I could not even exist.  The things the world considers essential are far less important than I might imagine.  In fact, they matter little, if at all.

   The world tries to tell what I need; more of this, better of that, and plenty of everything, but the desires of this world will always disappoint.  Contentment and happiness can only be found in God.  My wants and desires need to be focused not on earthly things but on God.  He sees me as His child and He loves me.  He wants me to be the best I can be and will help me in that effort.  He wants to bring me to Himself when this life is over.

   St. Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me;” (Gal 2: 19 – 20).  This is what it means to renounce self and find Christ.

Lord, I can be so vain.

My pride leads me astray.

May I take pride only in Your love for me.

You are all that truly matters.

Amen