Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 | Psalm 1:1-4,6 | Luke 9:22-25
If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. (Luke 9:23)
Jesus is recorded in all three Synoptic gospels as having uttered this proclamation, but it is only in Luke’s gospel that he emphasizes that we should take up our crosses and follow Him every day.
Not just on Ash Wednesday.
Not just on Good Friday.
Not just by abstinence on every Friday either.
Every day.
We are called to “fast” from harsh words and unfair judgements every day.
We are called to “abstain” from excessive indulgence in worldly pleasures every day.
We are called to “sacrifice” unnecessary comforts, and put effort and resources towards supporting the needy and helpless among us every day.
We are, in fact, called to “die to ourselves”, for that is what “taking up our cross” really means.
For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it. (Luke 9:24)
Lent is merely a convenient time to reflect on this Truth, and to commit to it every day.
Lord Jesus Christ, you called us to die to our sinful selves, to discard the trappings of worldly wealth and adulation, and go Your Way. Help us to see Your Way, help us to plant our feet on Your Way, and help us to reach out our hands to others to guide them on Your Way. For Your Way leads to eternal life, and the redemption of all our souls. Amen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_8meTmJZxo