The disintegrating and dying of our false self is our participation in the passion and death of Jesus. The building of our new self, based on the transforming of power of divine love, is our participation in his risen life. . . . In the beginning, emotional hang-ups are the chief obstacle to the growth of our new self because they put our freedom into a straight jacket. Later, because of the subtle satisfaction that springs from self-control, spiritual pride becomes the chief obstacle. And finally, reflection of self becomes the chief obstacle because this hinders the innocence of divine union. . . . Human effort depends on grace even as it invites it. Whatever degree of divine union we may reach bears no proportion to our effort. It is the sheer gift of divine love.

Thomas Keating, The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living by Thomas Keating, S. Stephanie Iachetta, editor