Suppose a lot of this “more difficult stuff” is in fact self effort that comes to vanity?
“I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”
That could apply to Hindus, Buddhists or Muslims too.
So, Jesus' fasting the in the desert for forty days is in fact "self-effort" that comes to vanity?
His passion/suffering [The true meaning of passion is SUFFERING.] is in fact "self effort" that comes to vanity?
If you knew ANYTHING about Him and Catholicism you would KNOW that suffering IS part of the human experience.
Check it out, if you dare!
http://www.calledtocommunion.com/2009/08/a-catholic-reflection-on-the-meaning-of-suffering/
How else do we pay for our sins? Or don't you believe that we DO have to pay for our sins?