Holy Martyr Tatiana
Post-feast of Theophany
Hebrews 10:1-18; Mark 8:30-34
Read Mark 8:30-34
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Notice that the Lord call the multitude to Him and begins to speak about being His disciple. Discipleship is not for just a few people but for all.
You cannot be a disciple of the Lord because you belong to a certain cultural heritage or live in a particular part of the world. If you wish to be a disciple of Jesus, then it must be a personal decision.
Being a disciple means actually following our Lord, not just idealizing Him and His teachings. There is going to be some change in the way you think and in the way you behave. It is said in the world that imitation is greatest form of flattery. The Lord is not looking for flattery but for followers. Imitation is the greatest way of being a disciple.
What does it mean to deny oneself? Most would think that this means acts moderation and self-restraint. While this is in part true, it has more to do with becoming detached from the things that captivate our minds and hearts and letting only the Lord captivate. It is radical.
The Cross. If a disciple, then an imitator. And He went to the Cross; so must we.
Someone once asked the question of the Lord, “Do You love me?” To which the Lord answered, “yes.” The next question was “How much?” And then Jesus opened His arms on the Cross and died.
For the sake of Love, let us, too, take up the cross.