Take Up Your Cross and Follow

My dear friends in Christ,

Last week, Peter confessed his faith that Jesus was the messiah, the Son of God. Now Jesus shows him what following the messiah and discipleship is all about. If we are to be true followers of Jesus, we need to let Him lead even if it means that we will endure suffering, pain or difficulties. Instead of seeking our own benefit and gain, we must allow every experience good or bad to draw us into a closer relationship with Jesus who will bear our burdens with us. Jesus knew very well what putting love as the greatest commandment would mean. He scolded Peter to the point of calling him Satan. He then calls us to follow Him on His way to the cross by carrying our own cross every day. Peter confessed his faith but now must put it into action and live it out. This can be very unsettling for us especially now with anxiety levels being so high. Being a disciple goes far beyond a confession of faith, though it must always begin there. Jesus came to suffer, die and be raised for the forgiveness of sins. If we want to have a place in God’s heavenly kingdom, we must willingly take up our cross and demonstrate the faith in our hearts by living it out so that we can respond in love for all He has done for us. It is this faith which He promises to reward with the gift of eternal life.

May God bless you all,

Father John