DAILY HOMILIES #crown

When Jesus speaks about carrying our crosses, He is not referring to sufferings entirely beyond our control. For instance, if I suffer from a medical condition, I cannot call it a cross because it is not something entirely within my power. I cannot choose to drop it or pick it up at will. The crosses we must bear as we follow Jesus are those sufferings that come to us in the process of pursuing a righteous life. In other words, you have a choice to either compromise your values (give in to sin to end the suffering) or continue doing what is right even though you are being persecuted for it.

Do not be discouraged by the weight of the crosses you carry in your Christian journey. Consider the Transfiguration as an encouragement from above. God is watching you. Moses, Elijah and all the prophets and saints who have walked this path are watching you. We prayed in the Stations of the Cross: “Difficulties remain difficult Lord, but I will not run away from them.” In the words of St. Paul “For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18).

Jesus tells us today, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Whether we like it or not, Christianity involves self-denial, self-discipline, suffering, embracing lack, and giving away one’s life for Christ’s sake. As powerful as the cross, so powerful are those pains, insults, ridicule, and shame we must put up with for the sake of our Christian Faith.