"Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." (Lk. 14:27)
Today is the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time. Christ invites us to follow him by embracing a life of sacrifice and renunciation. This drastic invitation is also liberating which frees us to be exactly the person we were created to be. Original sin has made us self seeking individuals. We tend to avoid suffering at all costs and indulge in everything that satisfies our appetites.
There is nothing about suffering that attracts us or makes us seek it out. Jesus even loved the cross out of love for his Father and for us. The authentic cross in our lives is the one that we least seek for ourselves. When we die to ourselves, Christ takes our place in us.
Questions for Reflection:
- Have I come to appreciate the value of suffering in my life?
- Have I learned to deny myself in small things in order to strengthen my will?
- Is there someone I can offer my pain and inconveniences for?
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