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The Gospel Proclamation
... “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves.
Gaze at Jesus’ Sonship
Only yesterday, Ash Wednesday, we heard, “rend your hearts and not your clothing” (Joel 2:13). To deny oneself is difficult. To give one’s whole substances - it is nothing,; if one amasses all knowledge - one is yet far off; if one has great penance - it is still little. What is the most necessary thing - having left all things else - one has to leave oneself or retain nothing of self love. Love reigns supreme in Christianity. It is undoubtedly the greatest commandment. Like fire, love must destroy every obstacle in its way. To take up the cross daily we must deny ourselves (Luke 9:23). What He expects of us is to carry it after Jesus, sustained and enlivened by the divine presence of the Lord.
Gaze at my sonship
Dreams of union with God are in vain unless one is determined to combat self-love in its many forms. How ready are we to say ‘no’ to this malady? One must suffer with love. Suffering is less important than love. Love gives meaning to suffering. Also it is possible to love without suffering. Suffering without love has no meaning. The Almighty knows best what cross is best for us. How heavy the crosses of other people are, we do not know. We envy the rich but we do not know how heavy their crosses are. Surely the cross given to us by God to be carried is the most suitable one. So let us resolve to take our cross daily and follow Jesus. Isn’t this Season the ideal one to start anew our journey hand in hand with Jesus our Saviour.
Prayer Starter
O Holy Spirit! Help and guide us to carry the cross without grumbling but to give glory to Him alone.
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