The Plan of God for the Cross

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season :  Thursday after Ash Wednesday*

*Gospel :  Lk 9:22-25*

*First Reading : Deuteronomy 30:15-20* 

*Responsorial Psalm : 1:1-20*

*The Plan of God for the Cross*

*1) God’s Plan for the Cross*

*A) The Cross Was Necessary — Not Forced*

Jesus is not a helpless victim. He freely accepts the Father’s will.

The “must” reveals: Divine purpose, Obedient love, Redemption through sacrifice

God did not desire suffering for its own sake. But in a broken world, love takes the form of sacrifice.

*B) The Cross Reveals Who God Is*

The Cross shows: God is not distant from suffering. God enters rejection and pain. God transforms death into life.

The Resurrection (also announced in the same verse) proves: The Cross is not defeat — it is the doorway to glory.

*C) The Pattern of Christian Life*

Jesus first speaks about His Cross. Then He speaks about our cross.

This means: Discipleship follows the same pattern. There is no resurrection without surrender. There is no glory without purification.

Lent reminds us that Christianity is not comfort — it is transformation.

*2) The Cross in My Life*

*A) The Cross is Part of God’s Plan for My Life Too*

Not in the same redemptive way as Christ’s Cross, but in the sense that: Trials can sanctify. Sacrifices can purify. Difficult obedience can lead to deeper life.

Lent helps us stop resisting what God may be using to shape us.

*B) “Deny Yourself” — The Core of Lent*

Self-denial is not self-hatred. It is the removal of what blocks love.

Lent asks: What must die in me so Christ may live? Pride? Attachment? Self-will? 

The Cross is not punishment. It is purification.

*C) “Take Up Your Cross Daily”*

Notice — not once. Daily.

The cross is: Daily patience with family. Daily honesty in work. Daily prayer when dry. Daily forgiveness.

Lent trains the heart for daily fidelity.

*D) The Great Paradox*

“Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it.”

The world says: Protect yourself. Secure yourself. Promote yourself. 

Jesus says: Give yourself. Trust God. Lose yourself in love. And only then — you find life.

*3) Points to Ponder*

*A) Do I Resist God’s Plan?* : Sometimes we want resurrection without crucifixion. We want blessing without surrender.

Lent invites us to trust: God’s plan may involve pruning before fruit.

*B) What Cross Is God Allowing in My Life?* : Instead of asking, “Why me?” Ask: “How can this lead me closer to Christ?” The Cross becomes holy when united with Jesus.

*C) Do I Believe in the Third Day?* : Jesus never speaks of suffering without resurrection. Lent is never hopeless. It is a journey toward Easter.

*4) The Greatness of Cross*

The Cross is not the end of the story. It is the path to true life.

God’s plan is not to crush us. It is to save us, through:  Surrender, Obedience, Daily faithfulness

We move: From self to sacrifice, From sacrifice to resurrection, From ashes to glory

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*