Day 23: Nature and Grace (Imitation of Christ. Bk. 3. Ch. 54-55)

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  Why does it often feel like you’re torn between what you want and what you know is right?
• What is the contrast between nature and grace?
• Why does our fallen nature seek comfort, recognition, and self-gain?
• Does grace call you higher, toward humility, sacrifice, and love?

Ch. 54: Different movements of nature and grace. [Juxtaposition of nature and grace.] Pay close (careful) attention to the movements (inclination) of nature and grace, for they move in different and subtle ways (contrary directions). With so great a subtlety, hardly anyone but a spiritual and interiorly enlightened person can discern them. Everyone highlights some good in what he says and does, which is why many are fooled (deceived) by what seems good on the surface. Nature is wiley (cunning), sucks many people in, ensnares and deceives them. Nature is [I am] reluctant to die. Grace is eager for its own mortification. It resists sensuality. It is ready to bend humbly to any human creature (1 Pet 2:13). Nature fears rejection and contempt, loves leisure and bodily rest, looks to what is temporary, takes joy in earthly gain, saddened by earthly loss, inclines toward creatures, toward one's own flesh, toward vanities and running around (much wandering about), wants to go out and experience many things through the senses, desires to be recognized (noticed) and to do things that will gain praise and admiration. Grace teaches restraint of the senses, the avoidance of vain complacency and ostentation, humble concealment of what is praiseworthy and remarkable, changes a person from fleshly to spiritual. [There's a way in the world that "works" and is applauded. But choose Christ/the gospel.]

Ch. 55: The corruption of nature and the effectiveness of divine grace. Lord, grant me the grace of conquering this awful (most wicked) nature of mine, which pulls me into sins and damnation. When I obey sensuality more than reason, I become a slave to the flesh under the law of sin (Rom 7:25). The law of sin in my own flesh (Rom 7:23) goes against the law of my mind and leads me captive into obeying sensuality in many cases. I cannot resist its passions without the assistance of your most holy grace poured into my heart like fire. [Don't forget original sin which is in our corrupt nature. Without God and Jesus I can do not just less, but nothing (Jn 15:5).]