http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=32494&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
The classic work of 'Saint Alphonsus de Ligouri' 1696- 1787
"Perfection is founded entirely on the love of God: 'Charity is the bond of perfection;' and perfect love of God means the complete union of our will with God's." The essence of perfection is to embrace the will of God in all things, prosperous or adverse. In prosperity, even sinners find it easy to unite themselves to the divine will; but it takes saints to unite themselves to God's will when things go wrong and are painful to self-love. Our conduct in such instances is the measure of our love of God.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=76132&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
In Matthew 10:34-42, Jesus calls us to take up the cross. This passage goes against the grain of most Christian mindsets, just as it did when Jesus first gave it. Yet, it is essential for us to understand who we are in Christ and allow His empowerment to come into our relationships. What does this mean? How does this affect my relationship with God, my relationship with self and with others?