REFLECTION OF THE WORD OF GOD 22nd, Sunday in Ordinary Time

What does it mean to carry the cross?

The disciples did not understand why Jesus had to go through suffering and death as inevitable. Even Peter tries to dissuade him from continuing down that path. But Jesus puts him in his place, that of the disciple who must learn from the Master and must follow in his footsteps. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (v.24). That is, the disciple will have to fulfill the Father’s will, accept the difficulties involved in the mission, and follow in the footsteps of his Master.

He himself is the guarantee that they will emerge victorious from the trials. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (v.25).

The disciple of Christ will have to take risks, but he can have the confidence, from now on, that his effort will not be useless; that their dedication will get the deserved reward. So, do we have to seek suffering and death? No way! Jesus himself gives us the answer. He pleaded with his Father to take away his suffering, but he also says that the Father’s will be done.

As a Christian, what are the obstacles I face in following Christ? What does it mean to me, whoever wants to save his life will lose it and whoever loses it will save it?      

           Fr. Tarcisio