Renunciation Is the Cross

Renunciation is nothing other than the proof of the cross and of putting to death. So you must know that today you are dead to this world, its deeds and its desires, and that, as the apostle says, you are crucified to this world and this world to you. Consider, then, what the cross demands of you, for under its sign you must live from now on in this life; because you no longer live, but he lives in you who was crucified for you. We must therefore spend our time in this life in the same fashion and form in which he was crucified for us on the cross, so that, as David says, piercing our flesh with the fear of the Lord, we may have all our wishes and desires no longer serving our own lusts but fastened to his dying. For in this way we will fulfill the command of the Lord, who says, “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” But perhaps you will say, “How can a man carry his cross all the time? Or how can anyone who is alive be crucified?” Hear briefly how this is. [a]