Saturday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross; Forefeast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God; Holy Martyr Sozon the Shepherd (304); [Passing into Eternal Life of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj, 1984]
Read
1 Corinthians 2:6-9; Matthew 10:37-11:1
Those who were listening to our Lord knew exactly what He was talking about. They had witnessed criminals carrying their crosses to the place of their crucifixion. Taking up a cross meant counting oneself dead to this world.
Our Lord wants us to understand unequivocally (leaving no doubt) that to be His disciple we must be ruthless in rejecting the world with its quick pleasures, non-lasting happiness, and desire to be admired even by smiling family members.
It’s not that the Lord doesn’t want us to love our family members (He actually wants to use us in their salvation!). He is making it clear that we are to love Him and do all for Him and His Kingdom first. Here’s an example — for those who are married, love for your spouse comes second to your love of the Lord. And your love of the Lord is exercised in the love you have for your spouse.
Christian discipleship. Yes. It’s that radical.