From today’s Scripture: “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” —Lk 9:44

This is the second prediction of his suffering and death Jesus gives his disciples in St. Luke’s Gospel. He urges them to pay attention. This is necessary because they are distracted. They were just the day before on the Mountain of Transfiguration, where the glory of Jesus was revealed. Now, the next day, Jesus performs an amazing exorcism. The scene is immersed in glory, and it is difficult to pay attention to the prediction of the cross.

However, Jesus reveals God’s plan, which involves the necessity of the cross. Jesus eschews a theology of glory, and so should his disciples.

Let us pray: My crucified Lord, help me to eschew all vainglory and to follow you along the way of the cross, that I may rise with you to new life. 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.

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