Thomas a Kempis, The Imitation of Christ 3.37

Of pure and entire resignation of self, for the obtaining of liberty of heart

1. "My Son, lose yourself and you shall find Me. Stand still without all choosing and all thought of self, and you shall ever be a gainer. For more grace shall be added to you, as soon as you resign yourself, and so long as you do not turn back to take yourself again."

2. O Lord, how often shall I resign myself, and in what things shall I lose myself?

3. "Always; every hour: in that which is little, and in that which is great. I make no exception, but will that you be found naked in all things. Otherwise how can you be Mine and I yours, unless you are inwardly and outwardly free from every will of your own? The sooner you do this, the better shall it be with you; and the more fully and sincerely, the more you shall please Me, and the more abundantly shall you be rewarded.

4. "Some resign themselves, but with certain reservations, for they do not fully trust in God, therefore they think that they have some provision to make for themselves. Some again at first offer everything; but afterwards being pressed by temptation they return to their own devices, and thus make no progress in virtue. They will not attain to the true liberty of a pure heart, nor to the grace of My sweet companionship, unless they first entirely resign themselves and daily offer themselves up as a sacrifice; without this the union which brings forth fruit stands not nor will stand.

5. "Many a time I have said unto you, and now say again, Give yourself up, resign yourself, and you shall have great inward peace. Give all for all; demand nothing, ask nothing in return; stand simply and with no hesitation in Me, and you shall possess Me. You shall have liberty of heart, and the darkness shall not overwhelm you. For this strive you, pray for it, long after it, that you may be delivered from all possession of yourself, and nakedly follow Jesus who was made naked for you; may you die unto yourself and live eternally to Me. Then shall all vain fancies disappear, all evil disturbings, and superfluous cares. Then also shall immoderate fear depart from you, and inordinate love shall die."

IMAGE: Gyula Benczur, Christ on the Mount of Olives (1919)