All for Him

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Mt.16:24

Jesus is explaining the cost of being a disciple... total renunciation. But he follows this with a promise of what authentic discipleship gains... eternal life. The reward is worth the cost.

To take up your cross is often interpreted as to stoically put up with sickness, pain, job loss, dysfunctional relationships, to carry a burden and trudge on. Early Christians would not have seen it that way. For them the cross was an instrument of painful, humiliating death that prisoners had to carry to their place of execution. To take up your cross means being willing to die to follow Jesus. It's total commitment. 

Discipleship demands sacrifice and Jesus never hid that cost. But the reward... oh the reward makes it worth it.

Jesus, following you can be scary; giving up my hopes, dreams, possessions, even my very life. With your help Lord, with your help...

Saint Peter, please pray for me.