March 6, 2025: FIRST THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY Luke 9:22-25

FOLLOWING CHRIST: SELF-DENIAL AND SACRIFICE Jesus said: “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Reflection: “There is one victorious general, but ten thousand dry bones.” This verse by Tang Dynasty poet Tao Tsung (China) expresses the bittersweet sentiment of a triumphant general who returns in glory, but at the cost of thousands of fallen soldiers left on the battlefield. Indeed, Christ does not promise an easy life filled with wealth and comfort to those who follow Him. On the contrary, He calls them to embrace sacrifice, hardship, and even death. However, He is not a general who callously sacrifices His soldiers when He declares, “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Before making this demand, He first foretells His own suffering: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly, be rejected, be killed, and on the third day be raised.” He Himself has walked the path of suffering before us, inviting us to take up our own crosses, to die with Him, and to rise with Him in glory. Dear friend, following Christ means embracing self-denial and sacrifice. It means “denying oneself,” letting go of self-centeredness, personal desires, and sinful passions that contradict the Gospel. At the same time, it means “taking up one’s cross daily,” willingly enduring hardships, suffering, and challenges of faith in everyday life. Are you ready to sacrifice and deny yourself to follow Him? Living the Word of God: Practice sacrifice by responding with patience and joy when facing difficulties or offenses from others. Prayer: Lord, help us to overcome selfishness so that we may generously accept and love others, despite their shortcomings.