August 28, 2011: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

There will be many opportunities to follow Jesus in this school year. Ask Jesus to help you when being his disciple gets difficult.

Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)

This passage in St. Matthew’s gospel follows Jesus’ stinging reprimand of Peter who refuses to believe Jesus will suffer and die. Jesus reminds Peter and us that we cannot be his followers unless we take up our cross as he took up his cross. What does this mean? Being a follower of Jesus is not easy. It is demanding. It requires sacrifice. Jesus also assures us that if we spend our life for him, we will gain life for all eternity.

Action:

Back to school! Didn’t the summer go fast? There will be many opportunities to follow Jesus in this school year. Promise Jesus today that you will follow him. Ask him to help you when being his disciple gets difficult.