For the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
Mark 8:34
Every Palm Sunday, we recall this Sunday’s First Reading of the suffering servant, who lamented: “I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6). It is a prophecy that rings with familiarity as we see the Lord’s Passion forecasted and aptly described. And as we hear this Sunday’s Gospel, we, too, are reminded that disciples of Jesus may also have crosses both physical and spiritual to bear. For all the joy and comfort that that Gospel brings, it also equally challenges us, for the way to holiness is also paved with purification and a deeper identification with Christ himself.
Christ is our model for holiness. And when the times come for us to suffer, we are to unite our sufferings with his. We never suffer alone, for he is with us.
Let us recall how frequently we make the Sign of the Cross, and may it be our strength and courage.
The Christian begins his day, his prayers, and his activities with the Sign of the Cross: “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” The baptized person dedicates the day to the glory of God and calls on the Savior’s grace which lets him act in the Spirit as a child of the Father. The sign of the cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 2157)
Jesus, help me to carry my cross and follow you.
