Daily Bread

(Jesus) said, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’

Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?

Lent is a season when we focus on penitence, reflection, and spiritual growth, and a time when we renew our commitment to following the way of Christ, and so the question is, how do we follow God's way?

Jesus had just warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah, God's anointed one, for there was a divine plan that could be upended by the agendas of others — even if they were well-meaning. He then brought his listeners back down to earth by focusing on the harrowing path that he would follow, and the path his disciples should also follow — to deny themselves and each day, take up their own cross (whatever that may be).

To put God, others, and the environment first means denying ourselves, and this comes at a personal cost — our own cross to bear.

Today there will be moments and occasions where you can choose to serve others at your own expense. Perhaps it will be picking up someone's dirty socks up off the floor, taking up the slack when someone drops the ball at work, or spending time listening to someone when you'd rather be doing your own thing.

Whatever it is, may you find joy in allowing the Holy Spirit that dwells in you to humbly reach out and bless others and the world around you, for when you do this you will bless God, become more like Jesus, and grow into the person God created you to be.

Holy God
Give me strength to deny myself,
take up my cross, and follow you.
Today, through the infilling of your Holy Spirit
give me a willing heart and a desire to be a blessing.
May I put first the needs of others and the world I inhabit,
and as I remember the sacrifice you made for all humanity,
may I find joy in humble servitude.
In the name of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.