Mark 8: 34 – 9:1 – Week 6 Ordinary Time, Friday (Audio Bible, Spoken Word)
34 ¶ And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
1 AND he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
Jesus has told his disciples for the first time that he must go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. In today’s Gospel verses, Jesus calls the multitudes also, to tell everyone about what it means to follow Jesus, to live a Christian life. While the Passion draws closer, the sign of the crucifixion looming prominently over these verses, we are enjoined in our own lives to deny ourselves and to take up our cross to follow Jesus.
Jesus asks us to live selflessly, to understand our present life in the light of the eternal life which he asks us to share. We are to distance ourselves from worldly or fleshly attachments, valuing as nothing the marks of achievement in this world, for what do they profit us ultimately? It may be that, when we listen to Christ’s call, we are aware of things we do not wish to renounce in order to give ourselves wholly to him. This renunciation is joy as we accept both the light burden and the triumph of the cross, as we admit grace into our lives and together, in close communion with those we love, follow Jesus.
We are warned by Jesus to continue to follow his teachings and example and to witness our faith despite the adulterous and sinful times in which we find ourselves. Each day we are confronted with sin. We find we are tempted to consume more, to lust after more, to choke our atmosphere, to poison our seas and rivers, to destroy other species’ habitats and our own. Each day we see the effects of sin, as obesity literally weighs down people’s lives as it draws them to their early grave, as people opt to kill an unborn child because it isn’t convenient, as we read in the news of the latest extinction events.
The world tries to draw us away from Jesus. It wants our self. It makes it difficult to live life prayerfully, gives back to us a false, horribly distorted version of our self, then tries to make us think that is our genuine self. When we pray just a few psalms and so put ourselves with Jesus, then that very joy and peace of mind, which we hope to communicate to others, thereby witnessing Jesus, can seem our cross to bear.
See also: 24th Sunday, Year B – Mark 8: 27-35 – Take up Your Cross and Follow Me
‘In the Passion, the Cross ceased to be a symbol of punishment and became instead a sign of victory. The Cross is the emblem of the Redeemer: in quo est salus, vita et resurrection nostra: there lies our salvation, our life and our resurrection.’ St Josemaria Escriva
Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
who on the cross called the penitent thief into your kingdom,
in faith and trust and confessing our sins
we implore your mercy
that after our death
you will lead us rejoicing through the gates of paradise.
Who live and reign for ever and ever.
Audio Bible KJV | Endnotes
Christian Martyrdom And The Garden Of Gethsemane
‘For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.’ The words have particular resonance when considering Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and also Christians who have given themselves in martyrdom.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is faced with his impending death on the Cross. He is overwhelmed with grief and prays to God, asking if it is possible for the cup of suffering to be taken from him. Yet he submits to the Father: ‘Not my will, but yours be done.’ Jesus is willing to sacrifice his own life for the sake of fulfilling God’s plan to bring salvation to humanity.
Christian martyrdom involves the ultimate sacrifice of one’s life – often through torture and unspeakable pain. Throughout history, Christians have been martyred for refusing to renounce their faith or to conform to demands of those in power. They have been willing to lose their lives for the sake of the Gospel.
The Gospel passage is a reminder that our lives are not our own, but belong to God, and that we must give them as necessary for our faith.
The words remind us of the bravery and faithfulness of those who have gone before us, willing to endure persecution and death for the sake of Jesus. They remind us that our ultimate reward is not in this life, but in eternity.
Explore the rich history and meaning behind Psalm 51(/50), a central text in the Christian religion. Discover different interpretations and the role of faith, prayer, and Bible study in understanding this revered psalm [ … ]
Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:28-30 ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ In this passage, Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened. Jesus promises rest and relief, urging us to take his yoke and learn from him. Jesus’ gentle and humble heart offers rest for our souls, emphasizing that his yoke is easy and his burden light. This passage is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ, who offers us rest and peace amid our struggles. Prayer Dear Jesus, In times of uncertainty and despair, I turn to you, the source of all hope. Fill my heart with your hope that transcends understanding. Help me to trust in your promises and to find joy and peace in your presence. May your hope renew my spirit and give me the strength to face each day with confidence and faith. Let your hope shine through me, bringing light to others who are in need. Amen. Personal Reflection What are the situations in your life that seem hopeless? How can you invite Jesus’ hope into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced renewed hope through your faith in Christ. Meditation On The Prayer And Gospel Matthew 11:28-30 is a passage that speaks directly to our need for hope and rest. Jesus’ invitation to come to him is extended to all who are weary and burdened, offering a refuge from the struggles of life. This invitation is not just a call to physical rest but a deeper spiritual rest that brings peace to our souls. Jesus understands the burdens we carry and offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. The imagery of a yoke suggests partnership and guidance; by taking on his yoke, we align ourselves with him, allowing him to share our burdens and guide our steps. This partnership is marked by learning from Jesus, whose gentle and humble heart sets an example for us. The promise of rest for our souls is comforting. In a world where we often feel overwhelmed and stressed, Jesus assures us that he is our source of true rest and peace. His rest is not temporary or superficial but a peace that sustains us through life’s challenges. This promise gives us hope, knowing that no matter what we face, we can find solace in Jesus. Reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of surrendering our burdens to Jesus. It requires trust and faith to let go of our anxieties and allow him to take control. This surrender is an act of faith, acknowledging that Jesus is capable and willing to carry our burdens. As we learn to trust him more, we experience the peace and rest he promises. The hope we find in Jesus is transformative. It renews our spirits and gives us the strength to persevere. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the nature of Jesus and his promises. It is a hope that empowers us to face each day with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. As we embrace this hope, we are called to share it with others. The hope we receive from Jesus is not meant to be kept to ourselves but to be a light for others who are struggling. Through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and simply being present, we can extend Jesus’ invitation of hope and rest to those around us. By living out this hope, we reflect Christ’s love and bring his light into the world. In practical terms, fostering hope involves daily practices that keep us connected to Jesus. Spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and being part of a faith community help us to stay grounded in our faith and renew our hope. These practices remind us of Jesus’ promises and keep our focus on him rather than on our circumstances. Prayer Lord Jesus, You are the anchor of my hope. In moments of doubt and despair, remind me of your promises. Fill my heart with your joy and peace, and let your hope overflow in my life. Help me to trust in your plans and to find strength in your presence. May your hope shine in me, guiding me through every trial and illuminating the path ahead. Use me as a beacon of your hope, bringing comfort and encouragement to those in need. Thank you for the gift of your eternal hope. Amen. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.’ Blessing May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. May you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, and may His hope guide and sustain you in all things. Amen.
Jesus teaches this invitation to deeper prayer. Jesus calls us to pray from the heart, in humility and intimacy with the Father. Take a moment to quiet your mind and open your heart. I invite the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts. How can my prayer life be more in tune with God’s will?
