Replies

February 21, 2014

“Then Jesus called the people and his disciples and said, “If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.”

In this modern world of instant gratification, where “Me! Me! Me! Now! Now! Now!” is the norm. Denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following Jesus seem s like a foolish thing to do. Some might question, “Why should we choose to do the hard things through the hard way?” Others might think “Life is not about suffering.” Moving through life with the least amount of hardship and achieving fame and fortune are goals we all have. But as Christians, is that what Jesus wants of us? Is this what the little voice inside each of us says? Do we even hear that little voice in the hustle and the bustle of our daily lives?

Take some time to reflect on yourself. What drives you? What does denying yourself mean to you? What is your cross? Are we following Jesus’ path, or your own? Pray to Jesus for grace and guidance in your struggle to live the life of a Christian.

One Bread One Body

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Español

All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 2

<< Friday, February 21, 2014 >>

St. Peter Damian

James 2:14-24, 26
View Readings

Psalm 112:1-6

Mark 8:34—9:1
Similar Reflections

READY OR NOT

"If anyone in this faithless and corrupt age is ashamed of Me and My doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes with the holy angels in His Father's glory." —Mark 8:38

The Lord is well aware that He sends us forth to witness in an unfavorable and even hostile situation, to a "faithless and corrupt age." Nonetheless, He challenges us to boldly proclaim Him and His teaching. If we let ourselves be intimidated by negative circumstances, Jesus will be ashamed of us "when He comes with the holy angels in His Father's glory" (Mk 8:38).

This takes away one of our best excuses for not being Jesus' witnesses. We rationalize not speaking up for Jesus because the people in a particular situation are not open or ready for the Gospel. However, the Gospel itself opens people to the Gospel. People don't need to be ready for it, but we need to be ready for them by obeying Jesus.

Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all creation (Mk 16:15). They did not "pick their spots." They were not reacting to circumstances, but the circumstances were reacting to them. We don't have to inform the Lord about how hard and resistant are the hearts of those to whom He sends us. He knows the situation.

Our job is to obey Him. His job is to open people's hearts, save them, and lead them into everlasting life. Therefore, in Jesus' name go with the Gospel to all people, even to the "faithless and corrupt."

Prayer: Father, may my heart overflow with love for You, and may I speak from the abundance of my heart (Lk 6:45).

Promise: "You must perceive that a person is justified by his works and not by faith alone." —Jas 2:24

Praise: St. Peter Damian was an orphan who later became an international peacemaker. "Blessed too the peacemakers; they shall be called sons of God" (Mt 5:9).