Chapter 08. Of the oblation of Christ upon the cross, and of resignation of... (Book 4. Exhortation to Holy Communion) (The Imitation of Christ) (a-Kempis, Thomas)

1. The Voice of the Beloved

As I of my own will offered myself to God the Father on the Cross for your sins with outstretched hands and naked body, so that nothing remained in Me that did not become altogether a sacrifice for the Divine propitiation; so also ought you every day to offer yourself willingly to Me for a pure and holy oblation with all your strength and affections, even to the utmost powers of your heart. What more do I require of you than you study to resign yourself altogether to Me? Whatsoever you give besides yourself, I nothing care for, for I ask not your gift, but you.

2. As it would not be sufficient for you if you had all things except Me, even so whatsoever you will give Me, if you give Me not yourself, it cannot please Me. Offer yourself to Me, and give yourself altogether for God, so shall your offering be accepted. Behold I offered Myself altogether to the Father for you, I give also My whole body and blood for food, that you might remain altogether Mine and I your. But if you stand in yourself, and offer not yourself freely to My will, your offering is not perfect, neither shall the union betwixt us be complete. Therefore ought the freewill offering of yourself into the hands of God to go before all your works, if you will attain liberty and grace. For this is the cause that so few are inwardly enlightened and made free, that they know not how to deny themselves entirely. My word stands sure, Except a man forsake all, he cannot be My disciple. You therefore, if you will be My disciple, offer yourself to Me with all your affections.

Luke xiv. 33.