https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021524.cfm
Must is a strong Word
There are things in life we must do. For example, if we want to go fishing, we must get some bait or lures. If we’re running in a marathon, we must practice every day. If we’re going to pay our bills, we must get a steady job. And, if we want to follow Jesus, we must pick up our cross with Him every day.
The cross isn’t something we choose. There is a story of someone who thought his cross was too heavy, so he cut some off it. It was still too heavy, so he cut some more off. Then, a third time, he did the same thing. Finally, he came to a deep drop-off. Though he could see the other side, he couldn’t jump that far. So he thought, “I will lay my cross over the drop-off and walk across.” But, wouldn’t you know it, his cross was too short. He was stuck where he was in life and couldn’t advance. After that, things didn’t work out.
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” Jesus knew if He cut His cross to suit himself, we would be in our sins forever and never live eternally. There would be no salvation. It was a huge decision. So, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish. (Matthew 18:14). Jesus couldn’t let that happen. He stayed the course.
We have to do the same, says Jesus. Sometimes, we want to cut our crosses to a size we can manage. However, picking up your cross daily is something we can’t avoid to be saved by Jesus. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it” (Matt. 16:25). The cross we are dealt with in life is custom-made to get to heaven. So, let’s not short-change ourselves. No more running away.
Gospel Challenge:
Is there a cross or two that we have avoided in the past? Ask Jesus to help you pick it up again. What will you do this time with Him?
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
