Cross is the Identity Card for a Christian to follow Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 6th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 8:34-9:1*

*FIRST READING - Jas 2:14-24, 26*

*Cross is the Identity Card for a Christian to follow Jesus*

*1) The Concept of Identity Card*

Identity card is a card carrying the holder's photograph, name, date of birth, and other personal details, serving as official proof of their identity.

Such a identity card gives the correct information about the person and his profession. 

One can't hide the identity card while, he is on duty.

*2) Cross is the Identity card of the Christian*

For a Christian *Cross* is the identity card exhibit his identity. 

This identity card either can be seen around the neck, which is rather easy of fixing it in our life 

More than this, our life should reflect Cross as the identity card 

This is the real mission, task and goal of our life. 

This is also a biggest challenge for a Christian

*3) Jesus and Cross always go together*

One can't separate the Cross from Jesus and Jesus from the Cross. 

They are so deeply related with each other, one can't separate them in any way

That is why Jesus says in today's Gospel, take up your cross and Follow me 

So cross is very much associated with Jesus 

*4) Take up your Cross and follow me*

Jesus is very clear in His instruction. 

He does not simply say to his disciples follow me. But He clearly says take up your cross and follow me

So one can't follow Jesus with our the Cross

*5) What is the Cross I need to carry in my daily life?* 

The cross which is referred here not of wooden or steel or any other form of material 

The Cross represents the Following

Challenges

Failures 

Crisis

Problems

Defeat in life 

Difficulties of life 

Rejection in life 

Loss of the beloved ones 

These and other crosses of life we need to carry always 

*6) My life and Cross?*

Is cross a identity card in my life? 

Does my way of life exhibit cross as my identity card? 

What is the level of my enthusiasm to carry the Cross?

 Am I trying to avoid Croses of daily life or am I willing take up the Cross and follow??

*No cross no Jesus* 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*