The Gospel for today, the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, is from Mark 8:27-38. Jesus issues a strong challenge to all by connecting discipleship and the cross, by saying, “If any wants to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Pastor Eric gave us a four-word example of how the followers may have felt: fear, faith, failure and forgiveness. It is difficult to deny yourself of safety, familiarity and consistency to embark on an unknown path (fear), in order to follow a life of mercy, forgiveness and love (faith). As humans, we are bound to make mistakes, stumble and sin (failure), but as Christians, baptized with the sign of the cross, we are loved children of God (forgiveness).
At a personal level, each of us is ready at different times to “take up our cross”, and be the disciple we are called to be.
To hear the Gospel and sermon, click the link below.