Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Gospel – Luke 9:22-25
“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’” Jesus shows how volontarily he is willing to take suffer for us and to accept them. Jesus continues his disciples to follow Him based on His own journey. He took up the cross and those who want to follow him must do the same. “‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me”. Jesus’ willingness to suffer and die for humanity is not only a historical event but is a model for discipleship. His call to “take up the cross daily” symbolizes the invitation to embrace a life of self-denial, sacrifice, and following Him, regardless of the cost. This metaphor of carrying one’s cross is a powerful image that speaks to the individual and collective challenges of living a life in alignment with Jesus’ teachings and example. It’s about making choices that reflect His teachings, even when they lead to hardship or opposition. This commitment is seen as a way to participate in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, understanding that suffering and sacrifice is the way to resurrection. Let’s reflect: Lent is the understanding the way of Jesus who willingly accepted the cross to lead us to resurrection.
Thursday 15 February
