James 1:14–15

Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin.

Jesus desired solely the Cross because He is love. But it is the opposite for me. My desires are self-centered because of original sin; it is impossible to desire solely the Cross in my human state. This can only be achieved through God’s grace, obtained through Christ’s death and resurrection. It is a pure gift.

My desires are united to my feelings. I desire intimacy of heart; therefore, when I get it, I am happy, and when I don’t, I am sad. My sin comes forth from reacting to my sadness. I’m discovering that all my feelings are centered on self; that is why my love is not unconditional. The second nail of crucifixion brings me to see and know the truth about myself. I must choose, an act of my human will, not to act from my emotions. I must be attentive to them and only love according to Christ’s desire.

Alice von Hildebrand:

Not activity but receptivity gives us a golden key to holiness.