How is this, then? I
confess that the root of all my faults is selfishness. Shall I
examine into my own selfishness for a selfish end--to get safety and
pleasure by it hereafter? I confess that the very glory of Christ
is, that there is no selfishness in him. Shall I think over the
sufferings of the unselfish Christ for a selfish end--to get
something by it after I die? I am too apt already to make myself
the centre, round which all the world must turn: to care for
everything only as far as it does _me_ good or harm. Shall I make
myself the centre round which heaven is to turn? Shall I think of
God and of Christ only as far as it will profit _me_? And this
week, too, of all weeks in the year? God forgive me! Into what a
contradiction I am running unawares!
No. If I do shut myself up from my fellowmen, it shall be only to
think how I may do my duty better to my fellowmen. If I do think
over Christ's sufferings, it shall be only that I may learn from him
how to suffer, if need be, at the call of duty; at least, to stir up
in me obedience, usefulness, generosity, that I may go back to my
work cheerfully, willingly, careless what reward I get, provided
only I can do good in my station.
But, after all, will not the text tell us best how to keep Passion
Week? Will not our Lord's own example tell us? Can we go wrong, if
we keep our Passion Week as Christ kept his?
And how did he keep it? Certainly not by shutting himself up apart.
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