Preet Anupam Beck csc –
Readings: Zech 2: 1-5, 10-11a; Lk 9: 43b-45
The readings challenge me to take up my daily cross and to find hope in it. In today’s Gospel Jesus talks about his death. This happens after the marvelous works that Jesus was performing.
The disciples had an idea of glorious and comfortable days ahead after witnessing Jesus’ works. They did not understand when Jesus spoke to them about his suffering and death. I am challenged by the Gospel of today to not look for a comfortable life. Jesus himself took the cross and gave us hope.
He calls us also to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. We should not be surprised by the trials and the struggles of life; they are in our life so that we can increase our confidence in God. If we live by faith, then the cross will be a treasure more valuable than gold and precious stones for us.
I am encouraged to relish and enjoy the moments of joy and happiness and not to run away from the trials and the struggles. If we shirk the cross, then our hope will also be gone. So, I am invited to happily accept my cross and find the hope that it brings.