Idols
Starting yesterday we began something of a retreat. Remember, we are not to anticipate but participate. Awesome, until we read today’s readings. First Jesus tells us if we are to be disciples, then we must suffer, be rejected, and even lose our lives. (Here is where the not to anticipate part comes in.) We do not need all that in our lives, we are busy enough already, besides this does not sound all that pleasant!
Of course, Jesus does not stop there, He now says if we are to follow Him, we must take up our cross and follow Him. Alright, I am trying to understand what Jesus wants of me. This final statement: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and 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 save it.”
Many people begin to think they are not ready to participate in all this. With a thought like that you are beginning to anticipate. But we are to participate. Jesus wants us to be thinking of life with Him and in Him. That means shedding this earthly realm. We participate with our Lord when we shed our desire for success, health, a long life, possessions, and admiration of others. These are all idols that drag us away from our Lord. Each of these idols prevents us from loving the Lord.
When we love someone, we totally give ourselves to the beloved. We desire to live for the other. We can participate fully in the love that God offers us. How will you live in the love of God today?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen