Gospel Thought for Today
7th August Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world
and forfeit his life?
Or what can one give in exchange for his life?
For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory,
and then he will repay each according to his conduct.
Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here
who will not taste death
until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Beatrice Konsek RIP.
Reflection:
Msgr Mario Enriquez, Parish Priest in my hometown in Manila years ago, once said “Jesus came not to make life easy, but to make men great”. Today’s Gospel confirms this. While our world promotes self-entitlement, Jesus teaches selflessness. Over the past few months, we have witnessed the dedication of our front liners in looking after those afflicted with Covid-19. In our community, there have been several parishioners who have kindly offered their help to those in need, be it doing shopping for them or giving their phone numbers if they need someone to talk to.
Being at the service of others is no easy task. It requires a lot of self-denials, taking up of our cross (i.e. our responsibilities), and following Jesus. Some of us would experience trials. Some might be misunderstood or ridiculed. Some may not be recognized for the good they have done. Some may even lose their lives. Jesus, however, tells us that he “will repay each according to his conduct”.
• How do you carry your cross and follow Jesus?
• What motivates you to put others’ needs over yours?
• What is your idea of being great – in this world and in God’s kingdom? Are they the same?
Lord, thank You for Your Word today. Grant us patience to carry our cross, to help others in carrying theirs, and to follow You. Amen.
Fraternally,
Pietro
