“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” These words of Jesus, from the Gospel today, remind us of the sacrifices that need to be made as disciples of Christ. The Cross for us is not a sign of defeat, but victory; the Cross for us is not a means of pain, but vehicle of joy; the Cross for us is not the reality of death, but life! So what Jesus is asking us to do today is straightforward. He wants us to reach for victory, hold on to joy, and embrace life. This is the Cross we bear. Yes, victory demands sacrifices, joy is mixed with challenges, and life is not always easy. But in the midst of it all embrace your Cross, I guarantee that the outcome is in your favor.
