The Burden of Love

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They answered, "John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "The Messiah of God."

He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, "The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised."

Then he said to them all, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." Luke 9:18-27 

The Burden of Love

Before we even walked this world

our ancestors labored for our benefit

their tireless efforts so we might thrive

are the burden they gladly did bear.

Before we were able to speak the words

love carried us through deep waters

happily giving up the comforts known

so that we might live to know love.

Before we ever suffered a broken heart

the mothers and fathers forgave and let go

they chose to let love be their burden

not wanting to shoulder hate any longer.

So love's burden is a followers cross

a way already trod by love's forebears

we never walk alone in this garden

always surrounded by the fruits of love.