Everyone needs some type of direction to at least go from point “A” to point “B.” Without that, we will meander for a longer period of time. We may or may not reach our destination of choice. The real crux of going from one place to another requires correct information so we can make the proper decision without too many detours.
Jesus’ instructions in St. Mark’s Gospel to attain everlasting life are straight forward: Deny self, take up your cross and follow Him. How to convince ourselves to do this is complicated, to quote a priest friend of mine. The problem is twofold: How do we accomplish what Jesus tells us and how do we overcome our negativity to achieving what seems counterproductive to what the world tells us we need to succeed?
The latter question for a believer is actually easier to answer in that the world offers suggestions about how to live a better life on earth. It doesn’t provide any options beyond our fleshly existence and what it does have is an antithesis to God’s plan all He has created.
As to the first question, it lays out a difficult journey which calls us to dig deep into our heart and soul. By doing so, we will unveil hidden areas of our persona which will make us uncomfortable at times. But, once revealed, they will allow us to have a vision of vistas possibly never before visited that will enlighten the purpose for which we are created and to see God with new eyes.
Denial of one’s self is difficult because selflessness does not come easy to most people. We look at a world that thrives on fame, fortune and power and wonder why we as believers are not receiving such benefits. We forget that God’s plan for us here on earth is to serve one another. Our reward for doing so, if we fulfill our baptismal promise of loving God and all who He has created, will be an eternal life of happiness in heaven with God.
Taking up one’s cross is our commitment to Jesus, even unto death, that we will be obedient to His will knowing that in doing so it might be painful and humiliating. It is our personal reminder of what Jesus suffered for us by dying on the cross for our sins and to overcome death. Can we endure anything less for the Son of God, who humbled Himself to become human so we could receive a second chance at eternity?
Discipleship is the third commitment Jesus asks of us when He says: “Follow Me.” As Catholics, our initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation provide us with three opportunities to do just that. Taking part in each of these rites in front of God, family and friends is our way of saying yes to being part of our Catholic faith and in relationship with the Holy Trinity. Beyond this, we now have to live the life in thought, word and deed by faith, hope and love.
In St. James Letter today we read: “What good is…faith…, if it does not have works…is dead.” It is the verification we need to fulfill the commitments outlined above. We are to reach out to the impoverished, marginalized and disenfranchised, as well as to orphans, widows/widowers and those who are poor, hungry, homeless, incarcerated, sick and dying. This is in addition to the financial aid we donate at our parishes and at other places with needs.
In essence, we are asked to give up everything; hopes, dreams, possessions and our life, if need be. To be the true disciple we espouse in our sacramental rituals and by the way we lead our life, we need to regard the reward as worth the price. Or, as St. Mark wrote:
“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and that of the Gospel will save it.”
Let us take this week to search our heart, soul and mind as to what we need to do to become a better disciple as Jesus has asked us to be. Hopefully, we will find at least one thing we can change or add to make a difference for those in need. And, by doing so, we will strengthen our faith practices.
Reading 1: Isaiah 50: 5-9a
Reading 2: James 2: 14-18
Gospel: Mark 8: 27-35
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