Dedication Of The Basilica Of Saint Mary Major

Nahum 2:1,3,3:1-3,6-7
Matthew 16:24-28

To choose to follow Christ closely and daily will grant us true and eternal joy and peace. Today we reflect on the cross. We remember what Jesus tells us about being His disciples. If we want to be His disciples, then we will have to take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 14:25-33;Mtt 5:39; Lk 9:23). We must love him above family, friends or anything.

What does it mean to take up one’s cross?   Or love him about family ties and other form of relationship? Does it mean carrying something through life which feels like it has been forced upon you?  Does it mean that all of us have hardships and we should not complain about them?  And if we do not feel like we have a heavy cross in life, does it mean that we should seek one out? Does the Cross of Christ have a power in my life to humble my attitude, allowing me to prayerfully embrace the greater paradoxes of faith?

The Cross is the most prominent symbol of our faith and each and everyone of us has his or her cross that makes life not a smooth jolly ride. Sometimes we may even say: why is it that the more that I go closer to Jesus the heavier the cross that I carry? The cross that we carry is a test of our faith, we would not be able to fully understand the presence of Jesus in our lives without silently and humbly carrying and enduring our own cross.

In recent times, the struggle of younger people trying to find their place in the world is appalling. There is an incessant strike in the education and public sectors. Some have completed their academic session while some are waiting for their results. Some are searching for their first career job while we have limited job offers. Others have worked for several years and are disillusioned by the path their life is taking and are searching for something with more meaningful and purposeful.  It may take decades for a person to find that place where they feel they truly discovered their real purpose in life. 

We will never find this if we haven’t first denied our own self interests attempting to live from a place other than our own self-centered ness or comfort zone. We have to see beyond the picture of ourselves. We invite Jesus to help us carry our cross and to journey with us. Let us not question why we have our cross because the suffering and trials that burdens us right now is nothing compared to the glory that awaits us.

In church language it is growing in a deeper understanding of the vocation to which we have been called.  For our vocation is a gift which we are invited to cultivate, live and embrace.  Our specific vocations are unique to each of us.  And when we find them, a sense of understanding and peace may come over us as we realize this is the reason I am here;  this is my purpose for being in the world. Do you have a cross right now that makes life so difficult for you? Look up to Jesus then close your eyes and humbly ask Him to help you carry it.

Peace

Osho

Credit:
This article is written by Rev Fr. Joseph Osho OSJ. Please visit his personal blog @ https://www.blogger.com/profile/10377666931103644634
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