“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 16: 24 - 25).
Friday 7th August 2020, 18th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr. (+ 258). Sixtus with four of his deacons were captured at the Altar while celebrating Mass and beheaded at the order of Emperor Valerian. Today is also the First Friday in August when we honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Today's Gospel appears to be chosen for the saints we are celebrating today. Jesus laid down the grim cost of discipleship:
#1 Take up your cross and follow me. Your cross are the trials that you can't escape: health, joblessness, poverty, etc.
#2 Be prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice with your life if it becomes necessary. "For whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
As the God-Man filled with the Holy Spirit and Wisdom, Jesus knew that no one will respond to His challenge unless the bait is bigger than the sacrifice. And it is. Here is what Jesus promises:
1. The Holy Spirit with His gifts and fruits are promised.
2. The Presence of Jesus is always with the disciple.
3. Peace, joy, courage, contentment are always there on tap.
These are real benefits. I am currently reading the Lives of Saints. It appeared as if more than a third are martyrs. They are made up of mature men and women, boys and girls, princess and peasants, clerics and lay faithful. I asked: What made all these people choose to give up their lives if this is the only life they have?
The saints who took up the challenges of discipleship believed Jesus. Do you believe Jesus?
"For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct." (Matthew 16: 27).
Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com
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