Thursday, February 01, 2018

Reflection for February 15, Thursday after Ash Wednesday; Luke 9:22-25

Gospel: Luke 9:22-25
Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”
+ + + + + + +
Reflection:
Would you be willing to follow Jesus?

There is always a price to pay if you decide to faithfully follow Jesus. For example, Jesus himself tells you in the gospel that you must deny yourself of something and you must decide also to carry your own cross. These are the preconditions, there’s no free ride in following Jesus. You have to sacrifice your: Wealth, power, and the like for the cause of Jesus.

But you have nothing to worry about these sacrifices if you decide to follow Jesus. These are all earthly things that may evaporate anytime, that may fly away from your hands anytime. What Jesus gives in exchange for your earthly detachment is something that is out of this world.

What would it profit you if you have all the wealth and influence in this world yet you don’t have Jesus in your life? Material possession come and go same as with our very lives. We come into this world wearing nothing and with nothing and we leave this world at God’s appointed time with nothing as well. What would happen to you if you’re not connected with Jesus?

Don’t be afraid of the things that you will sacrifice in favor of your faithful discipleship for Jesus. For the reason that your earthly sacrifice is not in anyway comparable. With the guidance and protection that you will have once you decide to faithfully follow Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

No comments: