***
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
These are some of the most famous – and difficult – words ever spoken by Jesus.
Some have interpreted his words to mean the heavier the cross, or the harder your life is, the better. Religion is meant to make us miserable.
But they couldn’t be farther from the truth! Jesus doesn’t want us looking for extra burdens; in fact, he promises to help lift them.
So what kind of cross is he referring to?
***
That clumsy, awkward, often hard to carry cross called life.
***
We might re-interpret Jesus’ words, then, to say: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his life, and follow me.”
So many of us carry the weight of children, stress in marriage, difficult jobs, illness, and bills piling up. Spiritually, we must guard against temptation and try to grow in virtue.
We don’t have to add any extra weight to our shoulders.
We simply can’t shrug it off.
That’s the cross.
***
What Jesus asks of us is to be faithful to the tasks we’ve been given in life.
If you’re a parent, provide generously for your children; shower them in love. If you have a job, then do the things no one else wants to do – and do it without complaining.
If you’re a recovering addict, continue on the road to sobriety. If you’re burdened with an illness, endure it in faith.
***
“Whoever wishes to come after me,” Jesus says, “must deny himself, take up his life, and follow me.”
Embrace life as best you can, knowing the Lord is always with us.
***
