the tree of life in sight
We have come to the middle of Lent. But why does the Cross occupy this Sunday?
Jesus said in today’s gospel, “If you desire to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me”.
If you desire.
If you want. Not what your parents or grandparents or family want. What do you want?
Deny yourself.
Christianity is about freedom. To be.
But what does “denying oneself” involve? It involves getting rid of anything that stops you from being the person you were meant to be. This could be your attitude, your way of thinking. Negativity and depression is everywhere nowadays. It is very easy to slip into that.
You deny…and then you are free to live. To be!
Take up your cross
Our cross – the burdens we have! Our burdens can be the struggle to deny ourselves! They can be our family or our workplace. They can be our country or other countries. The images of the starving children of Africa are burdens on us.
Follow Me
Jesus gives us a command now. No more maybes.
The Man who endured the Cross was complete man and human. He was perfect Man and that is why we follow Him.
~ fr Leslie
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