Theme of the Day: A Church that Takes Up Its Crosses
Some churches teach that if one follows God, God responds by granting prosperity and peace. Today Jesus teaches that is nonsense. The Son of God tells us that if we are his disciple, if we are part of his Church, we will have to bear crosses. Believers will suffer in this world, oftentimes for no other reason than they are believers. It is painful to struggle against the temptations and priorities of this world. It can be agonizing to face the same scorn and ridicule Jesus faced.
Why bother? We carry our crosses in gratitude for Jesus carrying his cross, one too heavy for us to bear because it was weighted down with our sin. We carry our crosses because we know that in those moments of struggle, we are forced to turn to Christ and rely on his strength. The church takes up its crosses, because this is the Christian path, the one Jesus himself walked: first the cross, then the crown.
Matthew 16:21-26
Jeremiah 15:15-21
Romans 8:18-25
Psalm 31
867 – Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near
694 – Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
702 – Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake
704 – Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
831 – Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, your Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Grant us courage to take up our cross daily and follow him wherever he leads; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Alleluia.