Feast of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
Gn. 11:1-9 | Ps. 33:10-15 | Mk. 8:34-9:1
Today’s readings continue the theme of being disciples of Christ. Jesus responds to Peter’s statements heard in yesterday’s Gospel. He tells all the disciples and all the people gathered and ourselves as well: “ If you want to come after Me, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.” We must be willing to walk the walk of Jesus who died on the Cross. Jesus took on our flesh and knew all of the human condition. He did not spare Himself. He daily walked the path of the Cross and asked us to do the same. This seems to be an answer to the problem of the people of Babel who wanted to make a name for themselves. Because they were becoming haughty, God came and dispersed their pride and caused all to speak in different languages. The language that Jesus speaks, that we are invited to speak, is the language of love. If we love Jesus, we will take up the Cross and follow in His footsteps. We will deny ourselves and go out to others in love. The path of discipleship is the path of love.
Take time to see how you follow Jesus. Put yourself in the footsteps of the disciples. Ask them to help you have the courage to follow Christ in all you say and do. Ask Christ to teach you how to walk the path of love.