What do you think when Jesus tells you to take up your cross and follow Him? Are you frightened? Unsure of what it means to take up your cross? Apprehensive of what will be asked of you?
Jesus, in his life, showed us what it means to take up your cross. He set the example by laying down his life, his personal wishes, his plans to follow the Father’s will. He took up preaching, teaching and healing…and yes, even suffering and dying. He showed us that taking up our cross is a self-offering of love, love for God and our brothers and sisters.
Daily taking up your cross does not usually go to the extreme of suffering to the extent of dying, as it did for Jesus. It doesn’t typically involve grand, extraordinary gestures. Normal everyday life offers myriads of opportunities to take up your cross and follow Jesus’ example of self-offering. This isn’t about actively seeking out hardship, but rather recognizing and embracing the challenging aspects of life that arise when striving to live according to Christ’s teaching.
Taking up your cross is a daily offering of small sacrifices. Passing up that last piece of cake so your son can enjoy it. Or you might put a little more money in your church offering or give a larger donation to a local charity. Taking up your cross might be holding your tongue when you want to lash out at someone or bearing a hurt without seeking revenge.
Do not be afraid to take up your cross and embrace the challenges that come with living a life of faith and obedience, for “every cross, great or small, even small annoyances, are the voice of the Beloved. He is asking for a declaration of love from us to last while the suffering lasts” (Blessed Charles de Foucauld).
