Weekly Reflection - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025)
"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?
Previous Reflections
Weekly Reflection - 2nd Sunday of Lent (2024)
"Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves." (Mk. 9:2)
...Read more
Weekly Reflection - First Sunday of Lent (2024)
"The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days." (Mk. 1:12)
...Read more
Weekly Reflection - 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time (2024)
"I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation." (Psalm 32 responsorial)...Read more
