Daily Reflection Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus said to his disciples,

“Whoever wishes to come

after me must deny himself,

take up his cross, and follow me.

Matthew 16:24-28

Deny myself? Pick up my cross? Lose my life? “This is not what I signed up for Lord.”

I expected comfort, profit, healing, mended marriages and jobs abounding.

What about all those healings in Scripture?



Most people consider that a cross. But that is not what Jesus meant. 

This thinking is making ourselves the center of our life. Here Jesus is talking about a relationship. Following Jesus is a deliberate decision to follow Jesus every day. When Jesus speaks of “following him” he is speaking of daily surrendering our life to him and that whatever life calls us to that day we respond to the circumstances in love and with faith to live each day not for ourselves but for Christ. That’s what this life is all about.



So, when someone asks you, “What is your cross?” My cross and your cross as believers is the same. We choose daily to surrender our will, our ways, our emotions, and all that we are to the Lord Jesus whatever that requires of us. That’s not always painful. It becomes a way of life. It is a life of daily discipleship. Remember, it is not a denial of “things” it is making Jesus the center and the core and the heart of all your decisions.

 Take, Lord, receive.

All my liberty.

 My memory, understanding,

my entire will!

Give me only your love,

and your Grace,

That's enough for me!

Your love and your grace,

are enough for me!

Take Lord, receive,

All I have and possess.

You have given unto me,

Now I return it.

Give me only your love,

and your grace,

That's enough for me!

Your love and your grace,

Are enough for me!

Take Lord receive, …