Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Psalm 76(77):12-16,21
Matthew 16:24-28
What does it truly mean when Jesus speaks to his disciples—and to us—saying, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me”?
At first glance, it might seem like he’s asking us to simply accept life’s trials, aches, and pains, encouraging us to “offer it up to God,” as the lovely Sisters taught us. And yes, that’s a part of it! But there’s so much more beneath the surface—it’s a call to an extraordinary adventure!
Christ isn’t just suggesting; he’s demanding a deep-seated commitment—a bold leap of faith that embraces God’s will, no matter where it leads, even to the edge of existence itself. This isn’t merely about weathering life’s storms; it’s about passionately affirming life in the face of doubts and fears, a commitment that dares to rise above the mundane!
But wait, what about the possibility of suffering a physical death for our faith? Yes, that could be part of the journey! Yet, there’s an even greater challenge: letting go of our own will and ego—shedding our self-centeredness, even if it feels like a death in itself. This is where the real transformation lies, and trust me, it can be tough to achieve without Divine grace lighting the way.
This profound truth resonates with what the Apostle Paul boldly declared: “I am crucified with Christ! It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 2:20). To follow Christ in this adventurous way means losing the façade of our false selves and discovering the authentic essence of who we are meant to be—fully alive, vibrantly ourselves.
Jesus’ call isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a thrilling invitation. If we truly want to follow him, we must embrace our unique crosses, fueled by a faith so powerful that it inspires him to declare to us: “Your faith has made you whole.” Your faith is an exhilarating journey like no other!
Fr Joseph Osho