From today’s Scripture: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” —Lk 9:22

People of Jesus’ time expected the Messiah to appear and defeat their enemies. He would be their king. Jesus was neither this kind of Messiah nor king. His throne was the wood of the cross. His crown was the crown of thorns.

Furthermore, Jesus’ disciples follow him on the way of the cross. Their actions, their way of life, flow from their identification with Jesus. This does not mean suffering for the sake of suffering. Christianity is not masochistic. It means imitating the sacrificial love of Jesus revealed on the cross, his obedience to the Father and love of humanity.

Let us pray: Dear Lord Jesus, assist me with grace to love your cross and in so doing to imitate your love, that I may be your true disciple. Amen.

Today’s author is Deacon Scott Watford, missionary pastoral coordinator at Glenmary’s Holy Family mission in Early County and St. Luke mission in Randolph County, Georgia.

Free delivery!  Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.