Our Venerable Father Joannicius the Great; The Holy Martyr Nicander, Bishop of Myra. The Holy Hermas, Priest.
Colossians 2:20-3:3; Luke 9:23-27.
Read Luke 9:23-27
For Christians, the cross has been transformed into a symbol of hope and victory over death, but it was originally a symbol of death. It was how the worst criminals were brutally, shamefully executed. As Christians, we are called to take up our cross daily and follow after Christ, knowing that resurrection awaits us.
What are you willing to lose your life for? Parents would sacrifice their lives for their children without batting an eye. Soldiers would sacrifice their lives for their nations and communities and for the sake of ideals such as freedom. As lovers of Christ, shouldn’t we be willing to give everything for Him, even our very lives? Yet, sometimes Christians are embarrassed to admit they are Christians. They may be embarrassed to pray before meals in public or admit to their coworkers that they are churchgoers. Christians are often ridiculed for their beliefs and want to avoid being treated poorly.
Jesus Christ is Lord! We must be proud of our faith in Christ! The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field or like a pearl of great price (see Mt. 13:44-45). Our faith should be worth everything to us, and we should be willing to sacrifice everything for Christ.