Why did St. Paul insist that we reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God? Isn’t it enough that our sins have been forgiven? Not if we listen to Jesus’ words in the gospel: “Take up the cross and follow me” (Matthew 10:38). Of course, a message of mercy will always be more attractive than a message about death. But for those who have grasped the wonder of the cross, this part of the “good news” actually becomes great news!

Paul understood that Jesus did not come just to forgive our sins. He came to put to death the very principle in us that keeps us sinning. As Paul explained, going down into the water of baptism is a sign that we have been buried with Christ, crucified to the old life of sin. Coming up out of the water is a sign that we have been raised with Christ to a whole new life, in which Jesus’ life empowers us to sin no more. Baptism doesn’t just make us right before God. It has the power to transform us into mature sons and daughters of God.

As for carrying our cross, this is not a condemnation to a grim and bleak life of suffering. It is an encouragement to hold fast to our co-crucifixion with Christ, so that we will know the power of the Spirit more and more. There is an inverse relationship here. The more we die with Jesus through the faith decisions we make, the more we live with him.

Don’t fear the cross. Embrace it! At Mass today, worship Jesus for taking you with him to Calvary. Ask his Spirit to reveal to you greater depths of the freedom that is yours. Tell your Father that you want to be a living testimony to the defeat of sin. Great as your desire for transformation may be, God’s desire to transform you is even greater. He loves you and wants to do good for you, so look to the cross with trust in him!

“We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    Although it may have seemed impossible to her, the women from Shunem in the first reading is rewarded for her kindness to Elisha by receiving the promise of a son. In Luke 1:37, the angel Gabriel says to Mary, “For nothing is impossible with God" and in Luke 18:27, Jesus says, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." What are the circumstances in your life that seem impossible to you? Why not have the men in your group pray in faith for each another for these circumstances.

 

2.    The responsorial psalm speaks of the goodness, faithfulness, and kindness of the Lord, which will last forever. The psalmist says our response to this should be one of singing, joyful shouting, and rejoicing. How do you respond to the Lord’s goodness, faithfulness, and kindness toward you? How should you respond?

 

3.    In the second reading from Romans, St. Paul tells us of the wonderful graces of the Sacrament of Baptism. How would you describe these graces to someone who asked you?

 

4.    In what way is the message of Jesus words in the Gospel reading related to the first and second readings?

 

5.    What is your understanding of these words of Jesus in the Gospel? “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” How do these words apply to you?