There are things in life we must do. For instance, if we desire to go fishing, we must acquire some live bait or lures. If we are preparing for a marathon, we must dedicate ourselves to daily practice. If we’re going to manage our finances, we must secure a steady job. And, if we want to follow Jesus, we must willingly shoulder our cross with Him every day. These challenges are not burdens but opportunities for growth and strength.
The cross isn’t something we choose. There is a story of someone who thought his cross was too heavy, so he cut some off it. It was still too heavy, so he cut some more off. Then, a third time, he did the same thing. Finally, he came to a deep drop-off. Though he could see the other side, he couldn’t jump that far. So, he thought, “I will lay my cross over the drop-off and walk across.” But, wouldn’t you know it, his cross was too short. He was stuck where he was in life and couldn’t advance. After that, things didn’t work out.
“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.” Jesus knew if He cut His cross to suit himself, we would be in our sins forever and never live eternally in heaven. There would be no salvation. It was a huge decision. He knew it was the will of His Father that none of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14). Jesus couldn’t let that happen. He stayed on the course.
Jesus reminds us that we must not try to alter the size of our crosses to fit our comfort. The cross we bear in life is uniquely designed for each of us, tailored to guide us to heaven. Let’s not underestimate ourselves. Jesus makes the impossible possible. It’s time to stop avoiding our challenges and start embracing them, knowing they are ideally suited for our spiritual journey.
Gospel Challenge:
Pick up that cross with Jesus. You will be surprised that you are only lifting a splinter.
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Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday after Ash Wednesday
March 6, 2025, Luke 9:22-25
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030625.cfm
Must is a strong Word.
There are things in life we must do. For instance, if we desire to go fishing, we must acquire some live bait or lures. If we are preparing for a marathon, we must dedicate ourselves to daily practice. If we’re going to manage our finances, we must secure a steady job. And, if we want to follow Jesus, we must willingly shoulder our cross with Him every day. These challenges are not burdens but opportunities for growth and strength.
The cross isn’t something we choose. There is a story of someone who thought his cross was too heavy, so he cut some off it. It was still too heavy, so he cut some more off. Then, a third time, he did the same thing. Finally, he came to a deep drop-off. Though he could see the other side, he couldn’t jump that far. So, he thought, “I will lay my cross over the drop-off and walk across.” But, wouldn’t you know it, his cross was too short. He was stuck where he was in life and couldn’t advance. After that, things didn’t work out.
“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.” Jesus knew if He cut His cross to suit himself, we would be in our sins forever and never live eternally in heaven. There would be no salvation. It was a huge decision. He knew it was the will of His Father that none of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14). Jesus couldn’t let that happen. He stayed on the course.
Jesus reminds us that we must not try to alter the size of our crosses to fit our comfort. The cross we bear in life is uniquely designed for each of us, tailored to guide us to heaven. Let’s not underestimate ourselves. Jesus makes the impossible possible. It’s time to stop avoiding our challenges and start embracing them, knowing they are ideally suited for our spiritual journey.
Gospel Challenge:
Pick up that cross with Jesus. You will be surprised that you are only lifting a splinter.
Love Your Neighbor:
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
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