A Disciple Must Carry His Cross

08-23-2020Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

The prophet Jeremiah had a timid and introspective disposition, yet God had chosen this wonderful prophet; “I place my words into your mouth!” says the Lord. Jeremiah led a lonely life, he never married, and was avoided by friends, priests and relatives because of his being a prophet and his mission. He was not a very popular prophet of his time, because nobody wants to be blamed for their sins. Jeremiah carried many crosses, he was arrested, put in jail, in an empty cistern and constantly had fear for his life. In spite of the many hardships, he continued to preach the word of God, and preached the truth.

Paul was the greatest missionary to the gentiles, he visited as many places or communities as he could, each place is different, this was the cross of Paul. He literally had to know more about every community he established to be an effective preacher to them. In Rome, he tells his readers that Christian life is our confirmation and pronouncement of what we believe. That is why Christians consecrate their bodies and their whole being to God.

A moment ago, Jesus gave Peter full authority over His Church, and suddenly he becomes a stumbling block, and himself is endanger because he does not understand the need for suffering. Jesus had to bring him back to become His disciple again. After all, a disciple as Jesus requires, must take up his cross and follow Him. He must be willing to give up everything for the Kingdom, even his own life for the sake of Christ.

A Disciple must Carry His Cross

1. It is very human to measure one’s worth in life by ones success. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, everyone was impressed by his words of preaching, “He preached with authority and not like the Scribes.” Jesus was frustrated with the Jewish authorities, because they failed to recognize His mission.

2. Jesus did not succeed in winning over the authorities and the people as a whole. The authorities were so stubborn, was it the Father’s design that Jesus had suffered and His blood was to be the ransom for their sins? Scriptures describe His death with the Greek word dei = must, Christ must suffer and die because this was the design of the Father and as foretold in Scriptures.

3. In Mt 4, one of the temptations of Jesus was success and avoid suffering. Why suffer, the Devil tempted Him, look for success, perform wonderful task so that people will be impressed and they will believe. Jesus responded saying: Dt. 6:16 “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” He knew the design of the Father and accepted His Will wholeheartedly.

4. Jesus saved us by suffering and dying for us. Christianity is the religion of the CROSS, this is a fact, “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross and follow me.” To take up one’s cross means, to be ready to face our own crucifixion for the sake of Christ. A disciple