Matthew 16:24-28 NRSVue
24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
27“For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
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Reflection on Matthew 16:24-28
Inspiration from 2026-08-07 Daily Prayer
The striking sentence in today’s gospel is one used over and over again by St Ignatius in his dealings with Francis Xavier when they were students together in Paris. Xavier was youthful, bright, and excellent at studies and sports, but Ignatius saw that the young man would achieve his true potential only if he changed his ways. We give thanks for those who have faith in us and who go out of their way to ensure that we reach the potential you have given us, Lord.
Further reflection
We have to die so that we can live. We have to root out what is bad in order that the good within us can flourish.
To share the glory of Christ we have to share his suffering; this makes no sense except through faith in Christ.
I pray for the freedom I need to be able to let go, to realise that my life is not mine to save; it comes from God and its fullness lies in God.
Yes, I need this reminder, Lord. You are not leading us out to a picnic in the country, or to a concert of uplifting Gregorian chant, or to a life of guaranteed prosperity. I want to find my life, to make something of it beyond getting and spending. For that I need a smidgeon of your fortitude.