Take up the Cross daily and follow me

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - Thursday after Ash Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:22-25*

*First Reading : Dt 30:15-20*

*Take up the Cross daily and follow me*

*1) Jesus, Cross, and the Follower*

There are three important things, which are highlighted in today's Gospel. 

All these three things are closely connected with each other and they can't be disconnected from one another 

Wherever Jesus is there, the Cross follows, and wherever Cross is there, there is the presence of Jesus is found. So a follower can't follow Jesus without the Cross. 

So all these are closely connected with each other.

*2) Cross is not a one time project of our life*

It is not one event or one project which has to be taken up and completed within a certain period of time 

Rather Cross is the *Process* in our life. A process continues for a long period of time, identifing and revealing new things about various realities 

*3) Why to take up the Cross Daily?*

First of all, with out Cross there is no existence for our life 

Secondly, as a follower of Christ, one can't discard the cross and live 

Thirdly, there are crosses in our life, which are inseparable. So by all means one has to accept and carry it 

*4) Benefits of taking up the  Cross Daily*

One begins the fresh journey everyday

It helps a person to become familiar with the Cross 

It strengthens the relationship with the Cross

In the process, the cross also reveals lots of truths about our life 

The cross helps us to find out the deeper meaning of our life 

The cross make us strong persons and we are in a better position to face all the challenges of our life 

*5) Daily Crosses of Our life*

Here cross refers all those things, which are difficult to accept and practice, but at the end they give us only the victory

Forgiveness

Sacrifice

Love

Generosity

Humility

Truthfulness

Sharing 

Simplicity

Sickness 

Struggles of Life 

All these are not one time project. They are to be taken again and again and need to be practiced everyday.

 *That is what is meant take up your cross daily and follow me*

*6) Lent and Cross*

These two realities have close relationship. 

Lent can't pass, without cross, and cross can't get its meaning without lent 

So lent is a special time to reflect about the cross, the crosses which are mentioned above 

*7) Am I ready to take up my crosses?*

Jesus doesn't force anyone to take up the cross. He says *“If anyone wishes to come after me*

But one can't follow Jesus without taking up cross

So it all depends on me. 

Am I ready to take up the cross daily and ready to follow Jesus?? 

How beautiful is the life of a person who takes up the cross daily and follows Jesus, because, He/She will never be a loser

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*