Having rebuked Peter for wanting to prevent his own passion, Christ speaks to his followers, calling their freedom into engagement to follow Him even in His passion.
"Who ever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." To deny oneself and to take up one's cross are to enter into the suffering that God has permitted to cross one's life's path, grieving not at the casualties, and in all things following the example of Christ: "For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God" (Heb 12:2). It is this bonding with Christ's passion that gives our suffering meaning; it is how we follow Him in the midst of it. And in the midst of it we find Christ, we find redemption.
"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." What does this mean? Someone who adheres loyally to Christ and his gospel will die an earthly death, but they will win the fullness of life. It is interesting that Mark equates Jesus and his gospel; St. Jerome wrote that we should be as attentive to stray words of the Word of God proclaimed as to crumbs from the Eucharistic species.
"What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life [soul/eternal life]? What could one give in exchange for his life?" One father explains the questions by stating that in losing one's soul, one simply has not another soul to give. It is an irreparable loss. He also writes that Jesus asked this second question to drive to the point of His precious blood, by which our salvation has been purchased by God. Think of that next time you receive the chalice!
Lord, strengthen us in the struggle to be faithful to you, even through suffering. Remind us of Your great love for us and draw us to Yourself, regardless of the cost. Let us join our sufferings to Yours, and inform our consciences with the word of God. Do not allow our souls to be lost, but keep us ever close to You and Your precious blood.
Mother Mary, comforter of the afflicted, give us the strength to joyfully bear the crosses that life sends our way. Lead us always to the redemptive value of the suffering, the union with Christ's pascal mystery. Lead us safely through the cross to the fullness of life in Christ.
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