The Cross A Boast
Chapter 7
“They disfigure their faces that they may appear unto people to fast.”
Christ
Our young pilgrim now turned in another direction just the opposite but no less reprehensible.
The crowd of spectators was still looking on with much the same thought as before. “What will the world say?” was his absorbing consideration.
As he was no longer able to conceal himself from his burden, he decided to make a virtue of the necessity. He now elevated his cross bearing to cause the beholders to admire his zeal and fortitude.
The cross, which just before was his shame, became his boast!
But then he felt a gentle hand upon his shoulder; and a voice, stern and sad, speaking to him: “Take heed that you do not this before people, to be seen of them; otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”