THESE words were spoken to Baruch by Jeremiah, the weeping prophet. Our blessed Lord, in the days of His humiliation here on earth, emphasized the importance of self-abnegation as a first requisite for the life of discipleship. He Himself chose to take the lowly way, and all who would follow Him must deny self and seek the honor that comes from God only. This is the very opposite to the way of the world. It is the pushing, energetic, self-assertive man who craves a name for himself in earth’s halls of fame. It is the meek and humble follower of Christ who will be recognized in the day when the Lord makes up His jewels.
“God harden me against myself.
This coward with pathetic voice
Who craves for ease, and rest, and joys:
Myself, arch-traitor to myself;
My hollowest friend, my deadliest foe,
My clog whatever road I go.
Yet One there is can curb myself,
Can roll the strangling load from me,
Break off the yoke and set me free.”
—Christina Rossetti.