Over the next six Sundays, we will hear Jesus catechizing his disciples and us on what it means to be a disciple. Recently, we have heard Jesus perform miracles, heal the sick, and face down the Scribes and Pharisees. But now he teaches us a different lesson. First, he tells them that he will suffer and be killed. Then he tells them that each disciple must take up his or her cross and follow him. They must sacrifice their lives for his sake and for the gospel. Not even Peter, perhaps his closest disciple, can accept all this. Can we?
These expectations were difficult then, and they are for us now. How do we answer the question Jesus addresses to his disciples. “Who do you say that I am?” If we acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the one who has become our Savior, then we are obligated to take up our crosses for his sake, joining them to his cross. We participate in his cross when we carry our crosses, accept help from others in carrying them, and assist others in carrying theirs.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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