“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23

Luke 9:22-25

Reflection

Jesus tells his disciples that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be killed. If anyone wishes to follow Jesus, they must deny themselves and take up their cross daily.

This season of Lent prompts us to follow Christ daily with our own cross. For each person, their cross will be different. Some will be more difficult to bear, others easier. Yet despite our individual differences, our call to suffer for the Lord is the same.

When we deny ourselves, we begin the process of sanctifying our souls. As we continue daily cross-bearing, suffering, and denial, this seemingly difficult task becomes easier, especially when united to the cross of Christ. Jesus tells us that by losing our life for his sake, we save it. How can you take up your cross today?

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Saint of the Day

St. Conrad of Piacenza: 1290 – 1351

“The soul finds rest not in wealth or comfort, but in surrender to God’s will.” St. Conrad of Piacenza