The harsh reality of an absence of God in our lives is one of great misery. Evil takes over and does not relent often beginning in very subtle ways. Sexual temptations, pride, greed, want of power, fame, riches to name a few. There is no lasting peace or happiness and soon we find ourselves in despair over broken relationships, fearfulness, health issues even depression. And if we do nothing to change we can be sure it will lead to our destruction.
Why are many apprehensive about taking up the cross? Do they envision only pain and suffering? It is for the love of Jesus first and foremost that we take up the cross, but how can we if we do not know Him? How can we understand or know what it is we take up? How can we experience the peace, love and joy of doing so?
Lord Jesus. I adore You and I take up and embrace my cross. Let my labour of love bear fruits for You and my brethren. In Your most precious name. Amen
St Dominic pray for us.
FIRST READING
Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1–3, 6–7
GOSPEL
Matthew 16:24–28
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
CatholicJules.net 