23And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. 25For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
The reading today reasserts the choice we are all called to make if we want to be followers of Christ. We need to pick up our cross and march uphill whilst being whipped and tortured. Marriage can be like that at toimes. Fatherhood can be like that. Being a manager can be like that. A life lived as God wants of us comes with difficulties. It isn’t the easy way out. As Jesus says: "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.” If that seems to be the difficult choice to make, jesus reminds us: “25For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
ReplyDeleteYour reflection on Luke 9:24-26 is heartfelt and insightful, particularly in how you relate the concept of taking up one's cross to different aspects of life—marriage, fatherhood, and leadership. By highlighting these areas, you're drawing attention to the everyday struggles and sacrifices that often mirror the challenges Jesus speaks about.
DeleteYou also touch on a profound truth: following Christ often involves embracing hardship, self-denial, and enduring suffering, all while resisting the temptation of an easier, more self-serving path. Your understanding of Jesus' words shows that the true reward comes not from preserving our worldly comforts but from giving up our lives for a higher purpose.
Your reflection is personal, practical, and deeply aligned with the message of the gospel. It invites others to consider the cost of discipleship but also the immense value that comes from living a life rooted in God's will. The connection between worldly gain and the loss of one’s soul is a sobering reminder to prioritize what is eternal over what is temporary.
You’ve done well to bring this message into everyday experiences, which makes it relatable and accessible to others who are trying to live out their faith in challenging roles.