August 7, 2026
St. Sixtus II and Companions; St. Cajetan
Cross Purposes
Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 16:24

It seems like it’s everywhere. It’s there on necklaces and earrings. You see it on baseball caps, tee shirts and bumper stickers. More people, even celebrities and politicians, are proclaiming their faith by displaying the Cross. But this passage from Matthew reminds us: There’s so much more to it.

When we behold the Cross, we see a sign of suffering and surrender, of sacrifice and profound love. Hearing these words from Jesus, calling on followers to take up the Cross and follow him, we realize just how radical and defiant it can be to wear the Cross—and what it can mean to bear the Cross.

This day, when we pray, take a moment. Consider what we do when we “make the Sign of the Cross.” It’s more than a gesture, a symbol, a mark of the believer. 

Do we realize what it means, truly means, to take up our crosses and follow Christ? 

- Deacon Greg Kandra

Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7 ✚ Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 39, 41 ✚ Matthew 16:24-28
Cross on mountain peak at sunset. Image by Photocreo Bednarek | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

Comments

Salina (not in control)
August 7, 2026 at 07:24 PM

What does the cross represent? We may think it represents difficult times, hard times, burdens or unforeseen or unprepared circumstances?!?!?! *** For the Romans and Jesus, the cross represents death!!! *** So if I carry the cross, it should represent death! But death to what is the question?!?!?! *** Here is what Paul said about the cross for himself in Galatians 6:15bc, “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!” ******* The cross represents death to...
Read more

Jamie
August 8, 2026 at 01:08 PM

Salina, this is such a wonderful reminder and explanation that is scripture-based. Extremely helpful and useful… God bless all the LFF!

Gary
August 7, 2026 at 02:32 PM

Decan Greg, thanks for your words today. " In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." Amen!

freeter
August 7, 2026 at 10:37 AM

Amen. Have a blessed Friday LF family! :)

Mary Beth
August 7, 2026 at 10:15 AM

I agree crosses seem to be everywhere today but if we truly stop and think of the essential meaning behind it I believe it will stop us in our tracks. Several years ago I wrote a poem about how I think of the Cross and these are the last couple lines. A most important Cross in history still provides you strength today. For the Lord never gave up his plight and decided instead to stay. If ever you believe your crosses are too difficult to endure. Remember His ultimate sacrifice and how your salvation He did restore.

CBR
August 7, 2026 at 09:31 AM

I hope and pray that I do know what it is but now I am going to do some research on it thank you Amen Amen Amen God bless us all

Stormi
August 7, 2026 at 08:43 AM

Amen Deacon Greg if only to wear the cross was to live by it, what a wonderful world we would live in eh? Blessings LFF, and all those with extra needs. Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a heavenly earth.

Mike
August 7, 2026 at 09:26 AM

Amen!

ADV
August 7, 2026 at 08:20 AM

AMEN!

Scott
August 7, 2026 at 03:47 AM

Thank you Deacon Greg for your question to all who are a part of this living Faith family. Taking up the cross is sometimes challenging and at the same time feel good moments. I call these times a “good tired.” I feel good after listening to friends who are scared to die, fear of the other side. I listen to people who struggle in what it means to give up a call to go to seminary, and listened to a person who did not want to be in a nursing facility. Same thing to visit those who are sick and...
Read more

Cross on mountain peak at sunset. Image by Photocreo Bednarek | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

STAY CONNECTED

Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.

Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email

About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us

© 2026 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.