In reflecting on last week's sermon, I am drawn to the profound words of Jesus as recorded in Mark's gospel. Jesus speaks openly and directly to his disciples, revealing the path of suffering and self-sacrifice that he must walk. He warns them of the rejection, suffering, and ultimately, his death. Yet, amidst this somber revelation, Jesus also speaks of resurrection and the promise of new life.
The message of self-sacrifice is not an easy one to grasp. Like Peter, we may find ourselves recoiling at the thought of suffering and death. We may be tempted to turn away from the difficult path that Jesus calls us to walk. But as followers of Christ, we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him.
In a world that often prioritizes self-preservation and personal gain, the call to self-sacrifice can feel countercultural. Yet, Jesus reminds us that true life is found in surrendering ourselves to him and his mission. As we relinquish the ways of the world—divisiveness, greed, injustice—and embrace the ways of God—generosity, peace, compassion—we discover the abundant and everlasting life that Christ promises.
The journey of Lent beckons us to meditate on the suffering of Jesus on the cross, but it also points us towards the hope of resurrection. Just as God redeemed suffering through Jesus' death and resurrection, so too can he redeem our own experiences of suffering. In moments of doubt and despair, we are called to fix our eyes on divine things—to trust in God's power to bring about redemption and restoration.
So let us embrace the call to self-sacrifice with courage and conviction, knowing that our lives are not our own, but have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus. May we follow in his footsteps, confident in the promise of new life that awaits us on the other side of the cross.