In the Gospel of Mark for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2009, Jesus says, "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 and that of the gospel will save it." (Mark 8:35)
As I reflected on this during Mass this weekend, the thought struck me that the idea of the cross would have been very difficult, painful, confusing for the people of Jesus' time. Crucifixion by cross was the primary method that the Romans used to torture non-Roman dissenters. The roadways around Jerusalem often had rebels hanging from crosses, rough crossbeams nailed to trees. These crucifixions were very public, to attempt to dissuade other rebels. So for Jesus to say that to follow him meant to take up one's cross would be very challenging for his listeners.
What would I have felt if I lived then as I heard Jesus say, "To follow me, you must deny yourself and take up your cross?" I don't want to be nailed to a tree! I don't want to die a horrible, suffocating death! Why would I have to do that to be a disciple of Jesus?
While we in the 21st century do not have to literally carry a cross, be nailed to and hang from a cross, we do have crosses that we can, and should, bear in Jesus' name. Our parish priest asked the congregation, "What crosses do you bear?" I immediately thought of all the parents who deny their own wants and needs for the best interests of their children: sleepless nights staying up with a frightened or sick child; eating macaroni and cheese at least three times a week; staying home rather than going out with friends; driving all around town rather than sitting quietly at home...the list could go on and on.
Parents are such a profound experience of God to their children. By their unconditional love, they express God's love for their children. By their sacrifices, taking up their crosses, they show their children that they are the most important thing in their lives, just as God showed us that we are the most important things in God's life by coming to earth and becoming human.
Parenting is such an overwhelming responsibility, an amazing ministry. May all parents find strength in the example and love of Christ Jesus, as they take up their crosses and sacrifice themselves for their children.
