For he manifestly exhorts both his disciples that followed him, and all that desire to follow him, to bear the cross, saying: If any one will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Luke ix. So that when we have read and searched all, let this be the final conclusion, that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. Acts xix.
[USCCB: Acts xiv. 22.]
The Following Of Christ
Book III.
Chap. I.
Of the internal speech of Christ
to a faithful soul.
1. I will hear what the Lord God speaketh in me. Psalms lxxxiv.
[USCCB: Psalms lxxxv. 9.]
Happy is that soul, which heareth the Lord speaking within her: and from his mouth receiveth the word of comfort.
Happy ears, which receive the veins of the divine whisper, and take no notice of the whisperings of the world.
Happy ears indeed, which hearken to truth itself teaching within, and not to the voice which soundeth without.