Having empowered the Apostles with his authority, Jesus expresses the cost of their discipleship. What’s at stake is the Cross…the looming reality that following Christ means that we offer our lives completely for the Lord.
John’s Gospel recounts how Caiaphas the High Priest prophesies how Jesus will give his life to save the nation. May these words inspire us to make the final preparations we need to enter into Holy Week with grateful hearts for all that the Lord has done for us.
The Lord reveals his identity to the Pharisees as he speaks about his crucifixion. May we look to the Cross of Christ as a reminder of the saving love of Jesus for the redemption of the world.
As Jesus talks about his approaching Passion on the Cross, the disciples fail to understand his meaning. Their fear and hesitation remind us to be aware of the sacrifices we will make for the Lord.
Cappella del Crocefisso, painted by Scipione Pulzone, Chiesa Nuova, Rome.
The anguish of Mary at the foot of the Cross of Christ touches our human pain and loss in moments of suffering. Yet Mary’s faithfulness inspires us to endure these times of trial as we place our hope in her Son.
The Lord speaks directly and to the heart: all disciples must take up their crosses and follow Him. What’s our unique cross today, and how will we carry it? May we call upon Christ for the courage and conviction we need.
Jesus teaches us that the path to eternal life requires us to take up our cross. During our lives we will make countless offerings to the Lord, and through these sacrifices we will experience the triumph of the Cross of Christ.
St. Paul’s suffering in Philippi becomes an opportunity to witness his faith in Jesus. This experience of the Cross of Christ brings life-giving joy, and it shows us the path that we often find in our own lives as well.