Friday – 18^th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Matthew16:24-28

Now Comes the Hard Part

Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem

Life is hard.  I don’t really need to tell you this.  Unless you’ve been living on a deserted island for the past 5 months, you already know that.  Brutal summer weather, high grocery and gas prices, unrest in the Ukraine and the Middle East, an abundance of friction and a lack of a common goal among our politicians!  We have all been there, wondering what’s next as we look for that light at the end of this long dark tunnel.  We sit with this dazed expression on our face wondering what’s next!

The disciples must have experienced something like this; they have already had their share of being cast out of villages, banned from the Temple, ignored and laughed at for leaving their families to follow this itinerant preacher.  And then in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells them bluntly that things will get worse.  If you really want to follow Me, then you must deny yourself and take up your cross.  Things are gonna get tougher!  Certainly not the best of pep talks, eh?

To be a true follower of Jesus, yes, it will not be easy; there will be suffering and pain.  But even in today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds them there is also reward; so be strong!

It reminds me of something I say at committal services when I speak about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, a reminder to us all that Jesus is both divine and human.  He knew Lazarus was dead and He cried.  He knew that moments later He would raise Lazarus from the dead and yet He still cried.  He knew death was not forever but the Kingdom is!  And He cried.  He cried because knowing the end of the story is the Kingdom doesn’t mean you don’t cry at the sad parts.

This is one of those sad parts but it is not the end of the story!

Slow me down, Lord!  Help me today to look beyond the overwhelming issues of the world and appreciate the simple gifts of life and love, of family and friends, and of Your presence in all I see and do!