Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 6, 2025

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Scripture Text: Luke 9:22-25

Jesus said to his disciples:

"The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected

by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,

and be killed and on the third day be raised."

Then he said to all,

"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself

and take up his cross daily and follow me.

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,

but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

What profit is there for one to gain the whole world

yet lose or forfeit himself?"

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ first prediction of His death and resurrection. Then Jesus ties us as His disciples to himself, telling us that we must deny self, take up our individual cross daily and follow Him. Selfless sacrifice for love of our LORD and one another will be required.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What cross am I asked to bear selflessly and lovingly? What am I willing to sacrifice for Christ?

Praying:

LORD, we do desire to follow You. Send the Spirit to strengthen us so that we might put love of You and others above ourselves. Be with us so that we may take up our own crosses daily and follow in your footsteps. You gave yourself for love of the Father and love of us. Grant that our Lenten journeys bring us closer to You. Amen.