Gospel

MT 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.”

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel reading presents us with a challenging message from Jesus. He tells us that to follow him, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and lose our life for his sake.

This passage teaches us:

1. The necessity of self-denial and humility in following Jesus.

2. The importance of embracing the cross and its symbolism of sacrifice and redemption.

3. The fleeting nature of earthly gains compared to the eternal value of our souls.

4. The promise of Jesus' return in glory, when he will reward each according to their conduct.

May we, like the disciples, be willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus, even when the journey is difficult. May we prioritize our eternal life over earthly gains, and may we be encouraged by the promise of Jesus' return.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

Help us to understand the cost of discipleship and the necessity of self-denial and humility in following Jesus. May we be willing to take up our cross and follow him, even when the journey is difficult.

May we prioritize our eternal life over earthly gains, and may we be encouraged by the promise of Jesus' return. May we trust in the eternal value of our souls and the fleeting nature of earthly gains.

May we be willing to pay the price of discipleship, trusting in the promise of eternal life and the reward of Jesus' return. May we prioritize our relationship with him above all else, and may we find joy in the journey of discipleship.

May we be strengthened by the knowledge that Jesus will come again in glory, and may we be ready to stand before him, having lived a life of discipleship and faith.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ