As Jesus finishes explaining what he must do in obedience to God, he points out that any disciple of his would need to live the same life of obedience. A reading of this scripture might feel horrific and hard. Let’s look at it slowly and gently.
In a world where there is a plethora of self-improvement and success-driven courses, the
idea of self-denial might seem counterintuitive. However, what Jesus invites us to always remember is that God and God’s will must always take precedence. God created each of us to contribute to the rest of creation in a particular way. Therefore, if we discern God’s call in our lives and we obediently respond in collaboration with God and God’s creation, we will succeed and find joy in doing so.
We also need to bear in mind that
living in obedient service to God will also come with challenges and temptations. Jesus reminds us that there will be times when we must take up our cross. Faithful service is not always pleasant and comfortable. When we allow temptations and distractions to be put to death, we are able to rise again, freed from those trappings. The closer we live to Jesus, the more courage and insight we will have in seeing the things that turn us away from God’s will.
But how do we know we are following God’s will and not our own?
St Ignatius encouraged us to pray a daily prayer of examen so as to notice where we sense God’s presence throughout the day and to ask for the grace we need to stay focused on God.
I invite you to end this week of reflection with a simple examen.
Allow yourself to become still, recognising that Jesus is
closer than your next breath.
Know that Jesus looks at you with love.
Slowly repeat the words of the Psalm we have grounded ourselves in this week:
