Take up your cross & follow me…
The cross is commonly perceived symbolizing suffering, thus, we assimilate that following Jesus is a daily suffering which it seems so very difficult to do. As if we are created to suffer- “rigat ken to-ok a panagbiag ditoy daga”.
We must change that perspective, we should put in mind the cross symbolizes salvation!
Thus, when Jesus said carry your cross, He meant carry what will save you.
Carry with us or we better say journey with whom that matters to us that give joy and inspiration to do what is good. Like Family- it is where we experienced “little heaven”. With that, it changes everything. We no longer think existence is synonymous to suffering but is the opposite- our earthly existence is a foretaste of Heaven!
In the history of our salvation, Jesus made it clear that salvation only comes from Him, thus, Follow Him must also be understood as be like Him..
In the words St. Paul, Vivere Christus Est, to live is Christ. Literally, we will emulate Him.
Current time, we are too visual. We tend to extremely idolize others with flashy personalities that it overshadows our own being and forget what matters. This gospel reminds us to anchor ourselves to Jesus only, not others or things!
One of the trademarks of Jesus is His service and leadership. This past week was the filing of candidacy for Barangay Officials.
Becoming a public official is an opportunity to do service by being a leader.
The gospel is very applicable to Brgy. Official wannabes: Carry your cross and Follow Jesus.
Carry public service to your constituents inspired by Christ. Emulate the example of Jesus feeding the thousands until everybody is full and satisfied. Don’t just feed yourself & the favored few!
Be a leader like Christ, a servant-leader who washes the feet of his apostles. Initiate service not the other way around of using the position to be the recipient of service.
Lastly, “Carry your Cross and follow me” is a grand invitation. Jesus the son of God graciously invites us to eternal life for He is only the way to the Father.
We are all invited. Responding to such an invitation is our own decision to make.