We cannot live the Christian life without a certain measure of mortification. If our conduct is to be in harmony with the spirit of the Gospel we must be able to say “no" at times to our natural inclinations, and to develop constantly in ourselves the capacity for effort. When Saint Benedict tells his disciples to deny themselves so that they may follow Christ, he is propounding not merely a principle of gymnastic asceticism but a law which is essential for every form of Christian life.
DOM IDESBALD RYELANDT, O.S.B. Union With Christ
