Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected.”

luke 9:22

Luke 9:22-25

Reflection

Jesus tells his disciples he must suffer, be rejected by his people, be killed, and on the third day, be raised. He also tells them that if anyone wants to follow him, they must take up their cross daily.

During Lent, we are especially reminded about our crosses – perhaps those we’ve chosen as specific Lenten sacrifices or our everyday struggles. If we want to truly follow Jesus, we must embrace our suffering just like he did. Our crosses of struggles and suffering are each unique. The Lord helps us to endure them daily.

We may not want to go through trials, rejection, and suffering like Jesus did. But we can take comfort in the fact that he did endure all of that and assists us in our similar needs. Our crosses will never compare to the Lord’s, and we must be willing to endure all for him – he died to save us.

Reflect on how you can approach your daily crosses with gratitude. Ask Jesus to help you in bearing them and offering them up for his greater glory.

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Saint of the Day

St. Colette: 1380 – 1447

“If there be a true way that leads to the Everlasting Kingdom, it is most certainly that of suffering, patiently endured.”   St. Colette