Spirit of Sacrifice
O most holy Trinity … [grant me] the greatest infinite pain, torment, tribulations, calumnies and martyrdom. Let me suffer infinitely; let me even be despised for you. (OOCC, X, pp. 67 - 68; STA, 60)
St. Vincent Pallotti considered the spirit of sacrifice as a significant element of Christian life. It involves self-renunciation and stripping away of all that is opposed to Christ. It implies mortification and perfect endurance in suffering. The spirit of sacrifice, besides bringing about purification of the self and reconciliation with others, orients a person to Christ and to his will. St. Vincent Pallotti wished that his life were characterized by a life of perfect sacrifice and perpetual crucifixion. He desired and prayed for infinite pain, torments, tribulations, calumnies and martyrdom, in order that he might become the living and perfect image of the crucified Jesus. Another reason for his desire for pain and hardship in his life was his wish to live the life of a true penitent. For St. Vincent, a life of sacrifice was an integral part of his following of Jesus. He was always ready to embrace it with courage and determination, and live it joyfully. Living in imitation of Jesus, the living stone, rejected by many, St. Vincent was willing to accept a life characterized by suffering, pain and hardships.
Do I have in my life a genuine spirit of sacrifice? Am I ready to accept a life of perfect sacrifice and perpetual crucifixion? Do I have the right attitude that marks the life of a true penitent?
Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings … and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house … to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (I Pet. 2: 4 – 5)