Friday, August 4, 2023
- Vessels of Comfort
- Aug 4, 2023
- 2 min read
John of the Cross
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ
Colossians 2:8
John of the Cross states the following about another vice or sin:
“Another vice or sin is spiritual gluttony. Many souls become addicted to the spiritual sweetness of the devotional life and strive to obtain more and more of it. They pass beyond the limits of moderation and nearly kill themselves with spiritual exercises.
They will often try to subdue their flesh with great acts of submission, lengthy fasts, and pain penances. But note: these are onside penances; they do not come from God. Such persons are working their own will, and thus, grow in vice rather than in virtue.
They are not working in true obedience, but rather, are doing what they want in the time and measure that they have chosen. They do these things not for God, but for themselves, and for this reason, they will soon grow weary in them."
Oh, my brothers and sisters, haven't we all fallen into this trap? We become so captivated by our works and traditions, that we dismiss Christ. Jesus said, take my yoke upon me and learn of me. For my yoke is easy and my burdens are light. Let us follow the “easy” and “light” way of Christ and not lean on a works mentality.
PRAYER: Lord, I want to follow your way. I do not desire to be entrapped in a meaningless mindset that believes that I become more holy because I engage in endless spiritual disciplines. I know that this is not the way of the cross. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.