Friday, February 18, 2022

Commentary: Mark 8: 34-9:1

Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “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 and that of the Gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”

Jesus, I have lost count of how many times I have heard these words and while I know they are true, it is so hard to resist that human tendency of comfort-seeking and avoidance of pain; physical or emotional, real or imagined. Help me remember Lord, in those times when I am tempted to take the easier path, that I will only discover true peace and joy when I embrace the cross—because you are waiting for me there.