And what is that? That having left all things else, he leave also himself and wholly get out of himself, and retain nothing of self-love.
And when he shall have done all things which he knows should be done, let him think that he has done nothing.
5. Let him not make great account of that which may appear much to be esteemed: but let him in truth acknowledge himself to be an unprofitable servant: as truth itself has said, When ye shall have done all that is commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants. Luke xvii.
Then may he be truly poor and naked in spirit, and may say with the prophet, I am all alone, and poor. Psalms xxiv.
[USCCB: Psalms xxv, 16.]
Yet no one is indeed richer than such a man, none more powerful, none more free; who knows how to leave himself and all things, and place himself in the very lowest place.
Chap. XII.
Of the king's highway of the holy cross.
1. To many this seems a hard saying: Deny thyself, take up thy cross and follow Jesus. Matthew xvi.
But it will be much harder to hear that last word: Depart from me you cursed into everlasting fire. Matthew xxv.