Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16:24

The good news of the Gospel is like a coin that has two sides: the cross and the crown. If we try to embrace one side while rejecting the other we falsify the Gospel. This was the mistake that St. Peter made when he rejected the mission of the suffering Christ who had to go to Jerusalem; suffer much from the religious leaders; and “be put to death.” (Matthew 16:21). St. Peter’s rejection of the cross was very forceful. The Gospel says that he “rebuked” Christ, stating: “God forbid it, Lord! that must never happen to you.” (Matthew 16:22). The Lord corrected Peter even more forcefully: “Get behind me Satan! you are judging by man’s standard, not by God’s.” (Matthew 16:23).

The same Jesus who says: “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you” (Matthew 11:28); also says: “If anyone wants to be my disciple , he must deny himself, take up the cross and follow me” (Matthew 6:24)

How is it possible to combine joy and suffering? Does not one cancel out the other? Well, the gospel combines both, for in pursuit of the joy of the Gospel we have to suffer; we have to deny ourselves and reject sin in order to experience new life.

Today’s scripture challenges us to say no to the very attractive but one-sided worldly Gospel of instant glory; a sugar-coated Gospel that offers a false hope. There is no glory without sacrifice; there is no real joy without suffering. Jesus asked His Father in the garden to spare Him the suffering of the cross, but He submitted to the Father’s will: “Not my will thine be done.” (Luke 22:42).

All the countless holy men and women who have gone before us accepted the cross. Why then should it be any different for you and me? In the face of disappointment, bereavement, sickness, death of a loved one, ingratitude and failure, we need to recognize that these crosses and contradictions are the necessary condition for entering into the glorious life of Christ.

This is why the Lord says:
“If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must deny himself, take up the cross and follow me.”

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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