Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 21, 2025

Date: Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Mark 8:34—9:1

Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

He also said to them, "Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today appears in the Gospel of Mark immediately after Peter rebukes Jesus for telling the disciples that He would suffer, die, and be raised after three days. Jesus tells both His disciples and the crowd who had come out to hear Him what is required of those who wanted to follow Him.

"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus is quite clear. He is also clear that this is the necessary path of one who desires to have life.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I willing to deny myself, to take up my cross, and follow Jesus? Will I accept the suffering? Will I follow Christ regardless of where He leads me?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our beloved Savior, send the Spirit to tap down our egos and build up our resolve to follow You wherever You lead us. Help us to pick up our own crosses, accept suffering in our journey in You, with You, and through You. Grant that we may be faithful this day and all days. Lord, Jesus Christ, lead us.