Jesus has always many who love his heavenly kingdom, but few who bear his cross.  He has many who desire his consolation, but few who care for trial.  He finds many to share his table, but few to take part in his fasting.  All desire to be happy with him, but few wish to suffer anything for him.  Many follow him to the breaking of bread, but few to the drinking of the chalice of his passion.  Many revere his miracles, but few approach the shame of the cross. … Those on the contrary who love him for His own sake and not for any comfort of their own, bless him in all trial and anguish of heart as well as in the bliss of consolation.  … What power there is in pure love for Jesus – love that is free from all self interest and self love! Thomas a Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation.TWO.11.html?highlight=fasting#highlight