Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:22-25)
DENY OURSELVES: Jesus is not about immediate gratification or short term fixes. He isn’t just selling what you need to get by that day. He is offering eternal life. He is pushing short-term sacrifice and hardship in exchange for a place with him in Paradise.
It’s not for everyone. Some who heard about Jesus came to listen to His message. The self-denial and cross-carrying argument simply did not appeal to them…and they walked away.
Will we?
Leave a comment