“Take up his cross,” Jesus said, “and follow me” (v. 34).
We’ve heard this Scripture passage so often. But take a moment. Hear it again. Consider the implications of what Jesus was talking about in this Gospel.
On the one hand, Jesus was foreshadowing his own death and warning his followers that being a disciple could come at a cost.
But he was also saying something profoundly reassuring: “Bring all the crosses of your life, all the burdens and hardships you bear. Follow me. You won’t have to carry it all alone.”
It’s a message so many of us need to hear.
No wonder Mark places it where he does. This passage comes at exactly the halfway point in Mark’s Gospel—the eighth chapter in a book of sixteen chapters. It’s literally at the center of the Good News. And it’s where we also find this exchange: “Who do you say that I am?” And the answer comes back: “You are the Christ” (v. 29).
What else is there to say? Other than, what would you say?
My evening prayers are with you, Rosco, for good results. We've heard it over and over again; We are the body of Christ. LF family men (over 50 or earlier for cancer prone families), a simple exam every year is very important to maintain a sound Christ-like body. Bill L.
Lord Jesus, I believe and I profess that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Take my life, my will, and all that I have, that I may be wholly yours now and forever."
*** The answer to the question from Jesus (in Mark 8:29), "Who do you say that I am?" can only come from God in Matthew 16:16-17, "Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah. You are the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah! No mere human showed this to you. My Father in heaven showed it to you!" *** You see immediately after, Peter didn't have the right response on His own flesh in Mark 8:31c-33, "He (Jesus) must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke clearly about this. Peter took Jesus to one side and began to scold Him. Jesus turned and looked at His disciples. He scolded Peter. “Get behind Me, Satan!” He said. “You are not thinking about the things God cares about. Instead, you are thinking only about the things humans care about.”" *** When was the last time you said to someone on their death bed, "You are not going to die, God will heal you!!!" ******* So what does God care about? *** Galatians 6:14-15, "I never want to brag about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through that cross the ways of the world have been crucified as far as I am concerned. And I have been crucified as far as the ways of the world are concerned. Circumcision and uncircumcision don’t mean anything. What really counts is that the new creation has come!" *** 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, "When anyone lives in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone! The new is here! All this is from God. He brought us back to Himself through Christ’s death on the cross. And He has given us the task of bringing others back to Him through Christ. God was bringing the world back to Himself through Christ. He did not hold people’s sins against them. God has trusted us with the message that people may be brought back to Him. So we are Christ’s official messengers. It is as if God were making His appeal through us. Here is what Christ wants us to beg you to do. Come back to God!" *** The Great Commission for us from Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, "Then Jesus came to them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.”" Amen ✝️ ******* Come Unto Jesus by Lauren Story https://youtu.be/xaW9vpKaQA0?si=d-7CLxIqd7Yj-Ddd
Living faith family I have some bad news our family faith formation program at the church our Lady of Peace will be discontinued as the Church is closing. I am going to miss my 2nd graders. Trying to get them to use my home parish but they gave a virtual program was told not an option. Peggy R my daughter Danielle has biopsy scheduled this Wednesday. She's doing fine as organized dual birthday party for my two sons. Please Continue to pray for the souls who have no one to pray for them and those souls in purgatory. Jane I heard you know Mathew Kelly ,one of my favorite authors. Ken
Deacon Greg, thank you. So many people with so many crosses. Jesus thank you for showing us the way, and the way of the cross. Amen. Sunday prayers to all those show are in need of being lifted. Especially those who have no one to pray for them and those feeling alienated or alone. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, and those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for another day to put my faith into action. I pray for the little children who have big crosses to bear and I am humbled by their strength and courage. No wonder You asked us to be like the little children.
"Love Him totally, who gave Himself totally for your love." St. Clare of Assisi. This is exactly what I would say!
Bring all the crosses of your life, all your burdens and hardships you bear. Follow me.
Thank you Deacon Greg...I have now learnt to leave all my troubles and burdens in our Lord's hands and he never fails me....Sunday prayers going out to all those in need
Amen.☮️
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Praying for a good biopsy outcome Roscoe. May the Holy Spirit be with you to give you peace and strength.