Taking Up One's Cross
'Jesus said to His disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? For the son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct."' (Matthew 16:24-27)
When you read the above from Matthew's Gospel what comes to your mind?
It is worth noting that this quote in Matthew immediately follows Jesus foretelling of His death and resurrection, Peter's rebuke and Jesus' strong condemnation of Peter's rebuke. (Matthew 16:21-23)
Imagine we are among Jesus' disciples. The stir this causes. We are Jews living under the iron fist of detested Roman occupiers. We are anxiously awaiting the promised messiah who we believe or at least hope this Jesus is. As the messiah we expect Jesus to cast off the tyranny of the detested Roman gentiles and establish a kingdom blessed and far exceeding that of King David. Hopefully then, we as his favoured disciples, will share in the power and glory of this new realm.
But no, now this Jesus tells us that we are to deny ourselves and willingly take upon ourselves the most horendous instrument of death available in the Roman Empire, the cross, and be willing to suffer with Him and for Him; even be willing to die for Him. Then and only then will we be rewarded. Wow!!! Surely He must be kidding!
And yet, probably within 40 years of Jesus' death and resurrection when hearing Matthew's account at the Eucharistic liturgy it all resonates and it makes sense.
Isn't it somewhat surprising after all these years of Christians understanding the importance of denying oneself, taking up one's cross and following Jesus; how many today believe that being Christian precludes suffering or deny the significance of suffering on one's road to eternity? Many have forgotten or over look St. Paul's observation on the subject.
"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is the Church." (Colossians 1:24)*
*Catholic Biblical footnote. '"...what is lacking..." Christ's suffering were of course, sufficient for our redemption, but all of us may add ours to his, in order that the fruits of his redemption be applied to the souls of men. (The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version / Second Catholic Edition, Ignatius Press p.168)
When you read the above from Matthew's Gospel what comes to your mind?
It is worth noting that this quote in Matthew immediately follows Jesus foretelling of His death and resurrection, Peter's rebuke and Jesus' strong condemnation of Peter's rebuke. (Matthew 16:21-23)
Imagine we are among Jesus' disciples. The stir this causes. We are Jews living under the iron fist of detested Roman occupiers. We are anxiously awaiting the promised messiah who we believe or at least hope this Jesus is. As the messiah we expect Jesus to cast off the tyranny of the detested Roman gentiles and establish a kingdom blessed and far exceeding that of King David. Hopefully then, we as his favoured disciples, will share in the power and glory of this new realm.
But no, now this Jesus tells us that we are to deny ourselves and willingly take upon ourselves the most horendous instrument of death available in the Roman Empire, the cross, and be willing to suffer with Him and for Him; even be willing to die for Him. Then and only then will we be rewarded. Wow!!! Surely He must be kidding!
And yet, probably within 40 years of Jesus' death and resurrection when hearing Matthew's account at the Eucharistic liturgy it all resonates and it makes sense.
Isn't it somewhat surprising after all these years of Christians understanding the importance of denying oneself, taking up one's cross and following Jesus; how many today believe that being Christian precludes suffering or deny the significance of suffering on one's road to eternity? Many have forgotten or over look St. Paul's observation on the subject.
"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is the Church." (Colossians 1:24)*
*Catholic Biblical footnote. '"...what is lacking..." Christ's suffering were of course, sufficient for our redemption, but all of us may add ours to his, in order that the fruits of his redemption be applied to the souls of men. (The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version / Second Catholic Edition, Ignatius Press p.168)
Labels: Living The Faith
posted by Paul Amrhein | 4:31 PM
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