If you want to become my followers, deny yourselves and take up your cross and follow me.”
—Matthew 16.24

“The aunt who annoys you is not your ‘cross to bear.’”
—Steve Garnaas-Holmes in his blog www.unfoldinglight.net.

This week, we look at the invitation to carry the cross in Matthew 16. As Jesus describes it, it’s not a particularly tempting invitation. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? ” Mathew 16: 24-26 (The Message).
What does it mean to take up our cross in a world that so values getting ahead at all costs? Can faithful disciples have nice things? Or must good Christians be miserable all the time?

I’ll see you on Sunday,
Pastor Heather

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