Take Up Your Cross

 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’ Mark 8:34-38

Take Up Your Cross

I did not understand your burden
a minority among your people
cautious, loving and inviting
always respectful often misunderstood.

This cross you carry for God
a deep love for the people
a heart that would bear the heavy load
of living beyond these bounds.

Serene in the face of misunderstanding
you make these pilgrims glad
we come so far with such ease
because you carried us along the way.

You offered your life and your time
committing all with hope and joy
this road we trod together is light
you make us sing as we toil along.

God in the stranger in misted darkness
a holy land of radical welcome
may we lean in and learn from you
you who have suffered so all can live.