In the Gospel, our Lord invites us each to become His followers with a challenge; “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” (Mark 8.34-35) These words have been a point of confusion for some and salvation to others. How is it possible to lose our life save it at the same time?
The answer lies within the mystery of the Holy Cross, since in fact we are each invited to take up our cross and follow Him, the Savior of all humanity. The Cross of Christ, a tool of death for the Romans, brought life to Christ, and all human beings joined to Him in baptism, in the Resurrection. Christ suffered through the Cross in order that life would prevail for His people, and we are invited to participate in the same reality.
As Christians we must embrace and accept suffering as a necessary part of life, not because Christ desires us to suffer, but because when we choose to deny the world and embrace God, the world fights against us with temptation and suffering. As Saint Paul teaches us, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5.3-5)
Embrace suffering my dear brothers and sisters this Lenten Season for your salvation!
No comments:
Post a Comment