Listen

After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me and because of the good news will save them. Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives?”

Mark 8:34-36

Think

Surely Jesus offers us a whole new understanding of what life means. It is not merely a matter of existing, of breathing, or of a heart pumping blood. For Jesus, to live is to follow the life he proposes. Let’s be clear, this is not a simple task. To achieve it, it will be necessary to opt for a road seldom traveled. It will also imply a continuous sacrifice for those of us who call ourselves Christ’s followers. This life that Jesus offers has more to do with giving than with gaining, and that entails a reorganization of our priorities.

Our tendency is to look out for our gain and to do all we can to secure our happiness. Jesus does not want you to give up on happiness, but he does want you to trust that in the end, he will grant it to you absolutely and permanently. Remember that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. In the meantime, let’s find joy in service, fulfillment in following Christ, and hope in God’s promises.

Edgardo Fuentes Colón

Question to Ponder:

What do you think is the most challenging part of following Christ?

Pray

Jesus, I desire to follow you with passion, surrender, and love. I know that it is likely that I will lose my way at times or that I will not be able to advance at a fast pace. Keep me from leaving the path that you propose. Encourage me to continue to serve and to never abandon your cross, wanting to make the path lighter. May I always remember that your version of life is more exalted and complete than mine. Amen.

Go

May God communicate in diverse and creative ways all that produces life in our spirit. May this strength make us attentive listeners, proactive doers, and communicators of the fullness of life that we find in God.