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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Some thoughts on this scripture
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.
Reflection
To share the glory of Christ we have to share his suffering; this makes no sense except through faith in Christ.
Reflection
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.
Reflection
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.