"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
Following Jesus isn't always easy. This Sunday's Gospel reading reminds us that Jesus told us it wouldn't be easy. Jesus' teaching and example was counter-cultural in his day, and it is still counter-cultural today. He suffered and was killed because the leaders of his day were threatened by his impact on the people around him. Do our Christian words and actions threaten others? Do Christian words and actions threaten us?
People were drawn to Jesus because of his teachings, his ability to heal their hearts and bodies, his very divine presence. And yet, for all who were drawn to him, there were others who were threatened by him. They didn't want to lose their power and leadership. He challenged them to put aside their own needs and wants and work to make sure the needs and wants of others, especially the poor and vulnerable, were met. They were uncomfortable with that concept.
If we want to call ourselves authentic Christians, we must live as Jesus lived. Do we welcome people - including family members, co-workers, those we don't like, and strangers - just as they are, without condition? Do we speak out about the injustices in the world and take action on behalf of the poor and vulnerable? Do we truly listen and focus on another when they are talking to us? Do we put aside our own wants and needs in order to ensure that others' needs are met?
Being Christian isn't always a walk in the park, but if we live as Jesus showed us how to live, we will encounter Christ in our encounters with other people. If we accept the cross of Christ - the challenges and self-denial - required of following Jesus, we will experience true joy, the joy that can only come from Christ Himself.
Faith Chat Questions:
- Adults: How would you describe the cross you bear? How does Jesus help you to carry it?
- Youth: When did Jesus become more than just a name in the Bible for you?
- Children: Jesus asks us to follow him. What does that mean to you?
Faith Response: Place a cross on your kitchen or prayer table. At your evening meal or at bedtime, pass around the cross. As each family member holds the cross, have them share one difficulty they had that day and how Jesus helped them get through that difficulty.
Pray: Christ Jesus, when we experience difficulties, help us to recognize your presence with us. Amen.
