HOMILY FOR THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY BY REV FR EKESHIRI JUDE EMEKA CSSP.
(Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 1:1-4,6, Luke 9:22-25).
The cross of Christ is not a symbol of shame but is a way to a new life. Carrying our crosses and following Jesus means denying ourselves of pleasure. Knowing oneself is the first step to conquering oneself. How can we deny ourselves when we are not fully aware of why we should do that? Denying oneself means cutting down or letting go of things that are not of benefit to us.
In the gospel of today, Jesus said to His disciples: ‘The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’ Then to all He said, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it” (Luke 9:22-25).
Jesus predicted His Suffering and death and urges that His followers would have to go the same journey if they want to enjoy the bliss of the kingdom of God.
Looking at the sweetness of life and material things, how many of us would like to go through the journey of suffering and then death. The truth remains that, “Nobody want to die, but we want to go to heaven. ” This means that, sorrow a times is not bitterness, but an opportunity to focus on what is real.
Today Jesus calls us to seek for a better way to preserve our lives, by accepting the way of the cross as part of our Christian journey to Heaven. If we truly wants to follow Jesus, this Lenten season is an opportunity for us to practice all that is required of us. Peace be with you.
