Gospel thought for – Friday 5th February Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

Gospel – Luke 9: 23-26

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?

The Gospel of the Lord

The Mass intention is for Rose McGrath, RIP

Reflection:

One of the problems today, is that many think that when they become a Christian that they simply add Jesus to their life.  In other words, they keep, for the most part, living their lives with Jesus now added into the mix.  Oh, they’ve changed a few things perhaps but it’s still their lives and their will and their ways.  They listen to Christian radio and speak the language and hang out with Christian friends but is this what Jesus has in mind for His followers?

This is not what our Lord calls Christianity.  Today, we’re going to look at a text of Scripture that is one of the most challenging passages in the entire Bible.  It’s a call for the followers of Christ to love Him and His people more than we love ourselves.  It’s a call to examine ourselves and our treasures to see just how we line up.  This is a passage that leaves little ground for self-deception.  Jesus is pretty clear with His terms to be a disciple.

  • What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? 
  • What does it mean to follow Christ?