February 25, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34)

Before the cross became a religious and spiritual symbol, it was a clear and dreaded message by the Romans at the height of their imperial reign to anyone who would dare resist their domination. So when Jesus told His disciples that whoever wished to come after Him, first he must deny himself; that is, of his rights and own understanding. Then, he must take up his cross; that is, endure his oppressors and their injustice and overcome them with good.

The New Testament challenges us to examine ourselves to see if we are still in the faith. Lent is a good time to take stock of our commitment to the vows we made at our baptism, to ask if we are willing to continue in our Christian walk. Jesus says following Him will not be without difficulty and will not give us worldly glamor, but that we will have divine help and it will bring us heavenly joy.