Embracing Obedience and Finding the Cross

We should not be surprised if, when we embrace obedience, we find the Cross. Obedience demands, for love of God, the renunciation of our self, of ourmost intimate will. However, Jesus helps and makes the way easier if we are humble. St. Teresa tells us: Once the Lord told me that I was not obeying, unless I was determined to suffer. I must fix my eyes on all that he had suffered and I should find everything easy.

Francis Fernandez, In Conversation with God, vol. 1

(St. Teresa of Avila, Life)

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I keep having to rediscover this truth, usually when I'm most annoyed by the personal cost of obedience. This is good medicine and helps set me straight.