Christocentrism of Charism – Buggert - CarmelStream

Crucified inwardly and outwardly with Christ, you will live in this life with
fullness and satisfaction of soul, and possess your soul in patience. xcviii
And Maxim 78 says:
Never take a man for your example in the tasks that you have to perform, however
holy he may be, for the devil will set his imperfection before you. But imitate Christ,
who is supremely perfect and supremely holy, and you will never err. xcix
With Christ as model, we are reminded by John that to lose one's life is to save it; to
surrender all is to gain all. "This is one of the most striking and hopeful themes one encounters in St.
John of the Cross. John wants us to possess all things! But he knows that the only way to achieve
this is through total dispossession." c
Christ as Mediator
Not only does Christ function in the spiritual life as model, providing the example to be
followed, he is also mediator. He mediates to the soul its own divinization. ci It is especially as the
fullness of God's revelation to the human soul that Christ functions in his mediatorial role.
writes:
This revelatory-mediatorial role of Christ is clearly spelled out by John in the Ascent. John
Any person questioning God or desiring some vision or revelation would be
guilty not only of foolish behavior but also of offending Him, by not fixing his eyes
entirely upon Christ and by living with the desire for some other novelty.
God could respond as follows: If I have already told you all things in My
Word, My Son, and if I have no other word, what answer or revelation can I now
make that would surpass this? Fasten your eyes on Him alone, because in Him I have
spoken and reveal all.... For He is My entire locution and response, vision and
revelation, which I have already spoken, answered, manifested, and revealed to you,
by giving Him to you as a brother, companion, master, ransom, and reward.... Hear
Him because I have no more faith to reveal nor truths to manifest.... cii
If you desire Me to answer with a word of comfort, behold My Son, subject to
Me, and to others out of love for Me, and you will see how much He answers. If you
desire Me to declare some secret truths or events to you, fix your eyes on Him, and
you will discern hidden in Him the most secret mysteries, and wisdom, and the
wonders of God.... The Apostle, therefore, gloried, affirming that he had acted as
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