"WHAT MAKES US DIE MAKES US LIVE"
The common understanding, however, is that a cross symbolizes death and defeat, but for Jesus, it symbolizes life and victory. Life isn't about "getting" it's about "giving."
What brings healing and transformation in our lives? When we surrender our lives to God, He gives us new life in His Spirit and the pledge of eternal life for those who love and follow Him. God wants us to be spiritually fit to serve at all times. When the body is very weak or ill, we make every effort to nurse it back to health. How much more effort and attention should we give to the spiritual health of our souls and minds!
What will you give to God? Are you ready to part with anything that might keep you from following Him and His perfect plan for your life? Jesus poses these questions to challenge our assumptions about what is most worthwhile for our lives. To be called a disciple of the Lord, we need to be ready to give up all that you and I have in exchange for true happiness and life with our heavenly Father. Moses clearly articulates these principles, which he gave to the Chosen People. The real question for the peoples of his time is, "How are you going to live out your lives in the new land?" Just as they needed to be faithful to the Covenant teaching then, we too, also need to be faithful now. When we choose to live according to God's ways, then we will be choosing life itself.
We read about a great irony in the Gospel, today. Jesus tells His disciples that if one chooses to live, he must choose the cross. The common understanding, however, is that a cross symbolizes death and defeat, but for Jesus, it symbolizes life and victory. Life isn't about "getting" it's about "giving." In our retreat house we have a sign in the main wing that reads, "What makes us die makes us live" (Written by a SNJM Sister).
This is worth pondering on throughout our Lenten journey!