ACC ~ Matthew 10 v38

READINESS TO DIE

ANONYMOUS: The man who bears his own cross is one who, if necessary, is ready to face any danger for the sake of God, up to and including death, rather than abandon Christ. He is ready to be tortured any day, because of his way of life. Even if he does not suffer anything as great as death, he will still receive mercy. For it is the intention that is rewarded, not the deed. Intentions come from our free choice, but a deed is accomplished only through the grace of God. “He who finds his life will lose it.” [1] It is better to die for God’s sake and live eternally than to live for the sake of human interests and suffer eternal death. He died for us, although he was incapable of dying unless he wished to. How much more ought we to die for him, we who are mortal even if we do not wish to be? If our Lord died for his servants without even a reward, it is more than equitable that a servant should die for the Lord and be rewarded besides. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 26. [2]

[1] Mt 10:39; Mk 8:35; Jn 12:25.

[2] PG 56:769.

Mt