First Reading - Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Gospel - Luke 9:22-25
In the first reading, Moses proposes choices for the people of Israel. He suggests the benefits of abiding by the commandment of God and highlights the consequences of failing to keep the commandment of God. He promises life, progeny (continuity of life), and blessings of God if they observe the law whereas if they fail to observe, they will have to face the wrath of God and destruction subsequently. However, Moses advices people to choose life by observing the law of God, loving Him, and clinging to Him. Moses also makes it evident that life proceeds from God and disobedience to God or any defiance will incur destruction and punishment.
The gospel passage can be divided into two parts: first part speaks about the passion prediction of Jesus and; the second part contains the invitation of Jesus to discipleship. The first part consists of passion prediction of Jesus hinting at the imminent suffering he will have to undergo. The suffering that is predicted by Jesus has three elements; firstly, the suffering is destined; secondly, the rejection and death caused by the leaders of Israel and; thirdly, resurrection on the third day. These elements of suffering of Jesus underline that Jesus is a suffering and yet victorious Messiah.
The second part of the gospel passage throws an invitation by Jesus to follow him in his suffering. Everyone of the disciple of Jesus is invited to follow him with daily cross, denying oneself, and consequently saving one's life. Jesus gives implicit warning to renounce the worldly possessions in order to gain the kingdom of heaven and follow him in his suffering.
Dear friends, we love to call ourselves Christians and be called so. We also feel proud to wear the crucifix as a visible sign of following Jesus. However, Jesus in the gospel invites us to follow him in his suffering by carrying our daily cross and saying no to the worldly pleasures. He sets himself as an example of suffering he underwent. We are invited to follow that Jesus who was rejected, was put to death and was raised to new life. We, as followers of Jesus, have to readily carry our daily cross in the form of making little sacrifices for the sake of others, or our readiness to continue to do good despite rejection and persecution by others, or making every effort to overcome our evil behaviours (anger, envy, hatred, jealousy, selfishness, greed etc.) that can offend and displease others, or becoming more approachable and friendly despite opposition and hatred by others, or our little inconveniences to do something etc. The daily cross of our life also can mean our struggle to love, serve and obey the law of God in the face of glamourous world that entices and deviates us to do so. Let's keep it in mind that to follow Christ is our daily choice inasmuch as we are invited to carry our daily cross.
There are also instances where we all want to follow Christ but want to avoid any sort of pain or suffering. We want to follow only glorious Christ who rose from the dead. We are reminded today that there is no resurrection without crucifixion and death. Therefore, Jesus invites us to carry our daily cross and renounce the worldly possessions that can deviate us to follow him, for the world persuades us to have more pleasure and less suffering and pain.
Let's follow Jesus in his suffering and we will certainly gain our participation in his resurrection.
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