Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me

In today’s readings, we are presented with two passages that speak to us about the challenges and sacrifices that come with following God’s call.

In the first reading from the Book of Jeremiah (20:7-9), we hear the prophet Jeremiah expressing his inner turmoil and struggle. He laments about being mocked and ridiculed for speaking God’s word. “I am a daily laughing-stock, everybody’s butt” (v. 7)
Jeremiah faced opposition and even persecution for delivering the message God had entrusted to him. Yet, despite his suffering, Jeremiah cannot contain the burning fire within him, the fire of God’s Word. He cannot help but proclaim God’s message, even in the face of adversity. “Then there seemed to be a fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones. The effort to restrain it wearied me, I could not bear it.” (V. 9)
This passage reminds us that being faithful to God’s call is not always easy. There may be times when we encounter resistance, criticism, or even persecution for living out our faith and speaking God’s truth. But like Jeremiah, we must allow the fire of God’s Word to burn within us, motivating us to persevere, even in the face of challenges.

In the Gospel reading from Matthew (16:21-27), we witness a conversation between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus reveals to them that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer greatly, be crucified, and rise from the dead. Peter, filled with good intentions, rebukes Jesus, saying, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” But Jesus responds with stern words, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.”

What seems like a harsh response from Jesus is a powerful reminder that God’s ways are not our ways. Jesus knew that his mission involved suffering and sacrifice. He understood that his path to victory would lead through the cross. Peter, in his well-meaning but worldly perspective, tried to dissuade Jesus from this path of suffering. But Jesus teaches us that following Him often requires us to embrace the cross, to deny ourselves, and to lose our lives for His sake.

In our own lives, we may also be tempted to avoid the crosses and challenges that come with discipleship. We may prefer comfort and worldly success over the path of sacrifice and self-denial. But Jesus reminds us that true discipleship means taking up our cross and following Him, even when it is difficult.

Friends, God calls each one of us to a unique mission. Like Jeremiah, we may face opposition to living out our faith. And like Peter, we may be tempted to avoid the crosses in our lives. But let us take courage in knowing that God is with us, and He calls us to be faithful, even in the face of adversity. Let us embrace the challenges of discipleship, trusting that through the cross, we will ultimately find the victory of eternal life with Christ.

May the Holy Spirit guide us and strengthen us as we strive to follow God’s call and carry our crosses with faith and love. Amen.

Happy Sunday 🤩
Fr. James Anyaegbu