A Reading
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (Mark 8: 34-37)
A Thought
During a walk last week, we stopped on a bridge to appreciate the scenery. The vale sloped upwards and away from us, green and serene, and a stream cut through the ground as it meandered through the vale towards us. Except that, when we looked at the stream flowing underneath us, it was serene no longer.
For the water was draining away from us up through the vale. No matter how hard we studied the landscape, we could not see how the water could drain in that direction.
The love of Jesus Christ flows against the current of the secular world. His teachings cut through the temptations and sins of everyday life, and his grace guides us like a stream towards salvation. The journey may be uphill and puzzle curious bystanders, but the reward shall be everlasting for those who dip their toe in the water.
A Prayer
Lord, your words are so challenging.
Help me each day to learn to deny myself in little things as well as big,
and to take up my cross and follow you.
Amen
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