Self renunciation

Some of my readings this day have been about the renunciation of self. That has given me pause because I don't know if I have or do this sufficiently to gain the fullness of life that Christ promised.

Then there is the thought that if I desire the fullness of life, I have not denied myself at all.

Lord, what say you? Help me to understand.

In response, I was directed to the following scripture verse:

"He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

35For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.36What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?37What could one give in exchange for his life?38Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

~ Mark 8:34-38

Official commentary on this scripture points out that the "fullness of life" is actually the eternal life promised by Christ to those who are His faithful disciples and followers, even if they should die or "lose their life. "

I was thinking in terms of earthly "fullness of life," meaning that sweet intimacy of seeing my Trinitarian God in others or in some circumstance that gives me joy.

I don't have to deny the joy of a Christ filled life..indeed we are supposed to rejoice always.

I just need to remember that even greater things await me if I can make it to the end without denying Christ for the sake of earthly comforts and consolations.

Thank you, my Lord and my God.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.