An Invitation

Bible Reading:  Mark 8:34-38

 

The season of Lent begins with an invitation.

 

Jesus said,  “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me”(Mark 8:34).  It is an invitation to those who desire to follow Jesus.  Christ never forces Himself on anyone.  It is up to us to accept His invitation or reject it.

 

Lent is a season of preparation in the Christian liturgical calendar that leads the Church toward Easter.  Lent, I believe, is a journey.  Lent is not a season we rush through; it is a season we walk through slowly.  It is a sacred time of repentance, renewal, and return to God, a time of testing, dependence, and transformation.

Lent begins with an Invitation, not a demand. 

Jesus did not speak these words to the crowds alone, but to those who desired to belong to Him.  It included his disciples.  The question we have to answer today is whether we want to follow Jesus or only admire Him from a distance!

What does following Jesus mean to us in our everyday lives?  We are called to deny ourselves, take up His Cross and follow Him! 

Self-denial does not mean self-hatred.  Jesus is not asking us to despise ourselves, but not do things to gratify our ‘self’.  In Jesus’ time, the Cross was not a metaphor.  It was an instrument of death.  The Cross is not carried alone (Matthew 11:29-30).  When Jesus says, “Follow me,” He goes first.  

 

Lent reminds us that we are followers of a crucified and risen Lord.  Jesus does not promise an easy road, but He promises His Presence.  The Cross we carry is shaped by the Cross He bore for us.  Lent teaches us that the Christian life is not about avoiding suffering, but about finding God within it.

 

My friend, let us not gratify ourselves in wanting to be always right, always in control, and always have the last word, but let us clothe ourselves in humility and embrace costly obedience.  May this Lent teach us to walk humbly, repent deeply, love courageously, and follow Christ faithfully, until the Cross gives way to the empty tomb.

 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus,  teach us the way of the Cross.  Strip away what does not give life.  Give us the courage to follow You, grace to surrender, and hope that trusts Your promise of resurrection.  Amen.

 

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