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Not
the easy way,
but the way of the cross
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Based
on the Gospel of Matthew
16:21-27
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| Illustration by
Phil Younk |
Lord, we can’t let it happen!” said Peter
after Jesus told his disciples he would be taken before
the high priests in Jerusalem and put to death before
he would rise from the dead on the third day.
But Jesus said to Peter, “Your way is not God’s way. If you follow
me, there will be times when it will be very hard to do what you know is right,
but you must continue to try your best and not take the easy way out.”
Peter didn’t want Jesus to suffer and die. But Jesus chose to follow what
God the Father wanted him to do — to suffer and die on the cross so that
all of us can get to heaven.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus also said, to find yourself you must forget
yourself by loving God and neighbor. To follow Jesus’ way we have the help
of the Ten Commandments, the sacraments, especially reconciliation and holy Communion,
prayer, and church teaching.
For example: Jesus prayed. Do you say your morning and evening prayers? Do you
pray for others? Jesus cured the sick. Do you remember to send a get well card
to someone you know is sick, or call or visit them? Jesus cared for the poor.
Do you help your church or school collect food and clothes for the poor? Jesus
helped people. Do you help mom and dad or grandma and grandpa with chores? Are
there elderly neighbors who could use your help? Jesus listened to people. Do
you take time to listen to your younger brothers or sisters and help them?
There are so many people who are suffering and who need our help: the homeless,
the unemployed, the sick, the lonely, the hungry, the poor. Jesus is asking us
to live like him — to be unselfish, loving, forgiving, and caring for others.
No one likes to do something difficult if there’s an easier way. It is
hard, sometimes, to do what we know is right because it’s not always the
easy or popular choice. But Jesus tells us: not the easy way but his way — the
way of the cross.
By following Jesus we won’t lose our way and will safely reach our destination — happiness
with Jesus in heaven forever.
(Couture is a catechist at St. Aloysius Parish, West Allis.) |
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