Take Up Your Cross

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 

We have very aggressive drivers here in Massachusetts who hate to follow or be slowed down by anyone, even when the traffic is at a near standstill. Some will draw up close, flash their lights, beep their horns, just so they can get a few feet further and not have to follow the car in front of them. Americans often think of ourselves as leaders, not followers, inpatient with other people's slowness. Yet to our frenetic world, Jesus calls us to follow, with patience, shouldering the burdens of ourselves and others.

Loving Creator, our guide and our home

we struggle and grapple to be the first

yet you were willing to be among the least

and counted your cross as gift and sign.

Help us to stay away from impatience

may we let the need for victory go

since you who is the savior of the world

was willing to give it up for us all.

May today we live with a follower's joy

trusting you for every step on our journey

letting others go first and walk with us

so your redeeming love might flourish here. Amen.