Take Up Your Cross

This weekend we find ourselves looking into a pair of Jesus’ sayings in the gospel of Mark.

The first explains quite openly what is coming during Holy Week. Christ predicts the major events that will occur and his disciples are none too pleased. This was not what they signed up for.

Jesus follows this first saying with one of his most famous: “If any want to be my followers, let them take up their cross and follow me.” Not surprisingly, there is a whole lot to unpack in this one. And that is what we will spend most of our time doing together.

At the heart of the matter is this question: what does it really mean to follow Christ? And, are we really ready to do it?

In our world, we often get so caught up on how we can reap the rewards of our work and make our own glory that finding our way onto the path of the crucified God is not an easy task. It was not for the ancients. And it remains an elusive mark for us today. Nevertheless, that is what we are called to do.

So, consider carefully what you are prepared to do to follow our Lord and Savior. It may not be what you expect. But it will always be outside your comfort zone.

Blessings, Pastor Janie