Following Jesus – Reflection on Luke 9:22-25
We are unable to compare our physical and spiritual suffering to Christ. However, it can resonate, as what Jesus endured was for everyone, past, present, and future. The same signs of Jesus’s selflessness and the ability to suffer silently are marks of practicing and maturing Christians. We can refer to the Gospel’s “take up their cross” passage whenever we encounter someone progressing along the path of following Jesus. It is unnecessary to soften the idea that the commitment to join Jesus on the Cross is difficult. If you are on this journey, you know that being like Jesus requires personal sacrifices well beyond what one might imagine. However, if you are willing to try and persevere, God gives you what you need and more.
Jesus Bearing the Cross by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Luke 9:22-25 – Scripture*
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
21 He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
23 Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. 25 What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 9:22-25 Reflection – Following Jesus.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 9 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.