From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘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 will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’ Matthew 16:21-28
We all want things to go smoothly and our lives to be easy. As someone who has had two years of unrelenting setbacks and physical challenges, I sometimes resent the "cross" I need to bear. Too often I forget that I am not bearing the cross alone. Jesus is with me every step of the way, as are my family, friends and colleagues. Bearing our cross is never a singular activity and we are called to help those whose burden is great today.
Gracious Creator, you never overburden us
you surround us with loving communities
which help us through our darkest days
and you are with us in our deepest sadness.
You told your disciples that they might suffer
that following you requires perseverance
many have faded away because of wanting ease
and many try to carry the heavy cross alone.
Let us be those who are on the road together
who shoulder the burdens of our companions
who cry to you for help when we are overwhelmed
and always let your love be the reason we follow you. Amen.
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