"Furthermore, I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but as dung, that I may gain Christ."
(Philippians 3: 8), Douay Rheims Bible
It's troubling to see that so many people live by the popular belief, that all we need to do, to go 'to a better place' - presumably heaven - is to die. Not so! Jesus Christ makes it clear that we must take up our cross and follow Him, and only Him.
Christians can appreciate the Herculean effort it takes to be World Series Champions, Super Bowl Champions, Olympic Champions, Elite Navy Seals, Marines and Army Special Forces, and so on, where each member knows, and is ready to suffer, that is, suffer the loss of all things to be one. They understand that without pain, there is no gain - they, like Saint Paul, count every thing as dung in order to win that ring, that crown, or the right to wear that uniform. They have one thing in common: they all understood the cost and are willing to suffer for it; but these, however, are worldly achievements that fade.
Do we Christians fail to understand what being a Christian means and the sacrifice it takes to gain our crown? It's not a cake-walk! It requires sacrifice, penance to discipline both body and soul, and obedience to God's Word, to Him! Therefore, to obey it, we must know it - read it; eat it!!!
We follow Jesus in the sure hope of attaining everlasting life - the pearl of great price. St Paul puts that hope into perspective: what we give up in this life, is nothing in comparison to what we gain; rather, it's who we gain: Jesus Christ! It is absolutely essential to remember this if we are to enter through the narrow gate - we must desire it more than life itself. Our Lord Jesus, the Saints, and Doctors of the Church warn us that the road is difficult and the door is narrow. The Catechism of the Catholic Church doesn't say anything about the fewness of those who are saved, but does it have to? Jesus himself said, "For many are called, but few are chosen." (Mt. 22: 14)
The Sacred Scriptures, from front to back, teach us, that it's not about doing things; it's about 'being' - like God, like Jesus; for that, we must submit to an internal transformation of the soul by the Holy Spirit. The Crucifix is our visible reminder that we must die to self whereby "it's no longer I who live, but Christ living in me". As an example for us, "He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:8) We must do no less to reign with Him in heaven. The Blessed Virgin, St Joseph, and all the angels and saints are disposed to protect and intercede for us.
Read some of these quotes, better yet, read all of these quotes from these Doctors of the Church.
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