Friday of the 6th week in the ordinary time of the year A
Theme: In the cross is our peace
The theme for our reflection today is an assertion that some of us many not be very comfortable with, because of the cross that is attached to it. But the gospel reading of today makes it explicitly clear that if we want to be followers of Christ, we must be ready to take up our cross daily and follow Christ. One thing we must understand is the fact that, carrying our cross is not optional, but rather something we must be ready to do. To make this a reality in our lives, we must take seriously the admonition of Jesus that we must die to the self. By implication, we must always go beyond ourselve and think about the common good, the greater good should always be our major concern.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, at this point, it is no longer about our good and satisfaction, but rather the good and satisfaction of others, to the glory of God. When we decide to embrace this lifestyle, we must be ready for the challenges and difficulties that awaits us. Thus, we must be prepared to carry our cross in different ways and follow Christ, because we have chosen a way of life that is uncommon. When we embrace this way of life, we must be ready to pay the price that goes with it at all times. This is because we will be swimming against the current, so to say. The common practice is for people to think about themselves, family and friends; and they care less about what happens to others.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, the assertion of Jesus in today’s gospel reading, should be a source of great strength to all of us as children of God. He makes it very clear that the sufferings we go through because of our faith in God will never go in vain. This is because in the cross is our joy, peace, and salvation. So, if we truly desire to attain salvation at the end of our earthly pilgrimage, then we must be positively disposed for the cross we carry because of the choice we have made for Christ. This does not mean that He is going to remove it or make it lighter, no, He is rather going to give us the strength and understanding we need to carry the cross without grumbling.
May God grant us the grace for a positive disposition in times of difficulties, in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.