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.’ And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.’ Mark 8:34-9:1

Gracious Creator, you sacrifice all for creation

you shower us with all goodness and life

breathing hope into the weary and sad

and renewing creation through the seasons.

We have often sought to blame others

we have too often complained and cried

when we are responsible for all the damage

and have not been willing to do our part.

You gave up your life for the many

the outcast and the stranger are your beloved

you moved through the world with compassion

and still we whine and cry for our lack.

Make us each strong enough to carry our cross

empower us to be burden carriers for others

make the least and the lonely our responsibility

so the world might see your love here and now. Amen.