ACC ~ Luke 9 v23

THE CROSS IS THE PASSION OF JESUS

JEROME: In truth, Christ came and made firm the human race that had been disturbed, so that it may not be moved for all eternity. His cross is the pillar of humankind; on this pillar he has built his house. When I say the cross, I am not thinking of the wood but of the passion. … Furthermore, what is the warning in the Gospel? “Unless you take up my cross, and daily follow me.” Mark what it says: Unless your soul has been made as ready for the cross as mine was for you, you cannot be my disciples. HOMILY ON PSALM 95 (96). [1]

[1] FC 48:188.

HABITS OF LIFE A MAJOR IMPEDIMENT

BASIL THE GREAT: For we must deny ourselves and take up the cross of Christ and thus follow him. Now self-denial involves the entire forgetfulness of the past and surrender of one’s will—surrender which it is very difficult, not to say quite impossible, to achieve while living in the promiscuity customary in the world. And in addition, the social intercourse demanded by such a life is even an obstacle to taking up one’s cross and following Christ. Readiness to die for Christ, the mortification of one’s members on this earth, preparedness for every danger which might befall us on behalf of Christ’s name, detachment from this life—this it is to take up one’s cross; and we regard the obstacles springing from the habits of life in society as major impediments thereto. THE LONG RULES. [1]

[1] FC 9:246-47.

TO BEAR THE CROSS IS TO BE BAPTIZED

BASIL THE GREAT: It is necessary, therefore, to receive instruction before baptism, having first removed any impediment to learning and so making ourselves fit to receive the instruction. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself confirms this assertion by his example and also by the formal injunction: “So every one of you that does not renounce all that he possesses cannot be my disciple;” [1] and … by the definitive declaration: “He that takes not up his cross daily and follows me is not worthy of me.” … And then we are ready for the baptism of water, which is a type of the cross and of death, burial and resurrection from the dead. …

Whoever, therefore, is worthy to be baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit and who has been born anew undergoes a change of abode, habits and associates, so that, walking by the Spirit we may merit to be baptized in the name of the Son and to put on Christ. CONCERNING BAPTISM. [2]

[1] Lk 14:33.

[2] FC 9:383-85.