On a retreat when I was in college, a priest directing the retreat explained how we are invited to be Jesus’ disciples—to follow Jesus on whatever path our lives take us. Taking up our cross means understanding that the many difficulties we endure can be accepted and offered as we follow Jesus.
It has been a source of strength for me to have that context and connection with Jesus when a crisis would need to be faced: in my health, in a relationship, in the lives of my children, in someone needing my help. Even smaller things, like a flat tire or burning my hand while cooking, I could say: “This, right now, is the cross to take up and follow Jesus.”
Excellent devotion, Patricia ✝️
Thank you, Patricia, for this thoughtful reflection. Our Crosses in Life: "There is no cross to bear that Christ has not already born for us, and does not now bear with us." St. John Paul the Great
My prayer "Lord Jesus Christ, I want to follow you as your disciple. I gladly offer all that I have to you. Take and use my life as a pleasing sacrifice of praise to your glory." Amen
AMEN!
Amen!
Amen.☮️
Amen
Mark 8:34, “Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples. He said, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must say no to themselves. They must pick up their cross and follow Me!” *** What does saying no to myself look like? To lose what I want for myself in Mark 8:35a, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it!” *** What does picking up the cross look like? To lose what I want for Christ sake in Mark 8:35b, “But whoever loses their life for Me!” *** What does following Jesus look like? To declare the Good News of Jesus Christ in Mark 8:35c, “and for the Good News will save it!” ******* What does it look like not to be a disciple of Jesus and what is the consequence? Being ashamed (not to talk about) of Jesus and His Word resulting in Jesus being ashamed of us in front of God the Father in Mark 8:38, “Suppose anyone is ashamed of Me and My Words among these adulterous and sinful people. Then the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.” *** My ‘cross’ has the same purpose as the cross of Jesus: pointing others to the Good News of Jesus Christ! *** You see, I have to pick up the ‘cross’…the ‘cross’ doesn’t happen to me! *** So I have to actively pick up my ‘cross’ and tell others about Jesus! When I pick up my ‘cross,’ I will be (not if but when) rejected, ridiculed and ruined speaking the Name of Jesus!!!
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them 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.