Luke 9:18-27

There are four sections to this passage.

1. Jesus asks his apostles who they think he is.

2. Jesus foretells his passion.

3. Jesus says that people who follow him must renounce themselves and take up their cross.

4. Jesus says, "I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God."

When I hear the phrase "take up your cross each day...", I hear a burdensome task - something that is difficult and I think "why would I do that?"

I wonder how many others hear "take up your cross" as something negative and believe that following Jesus is difficult and means giving up an easy and comfortable life?

I believe that one's cross is one's life's purpose and the invitation is to pick it up each day and live intentionally. I also believe that when one follows God's plan and gives the world of one's gifts and talents then there are people in this world ready to receive them. It is not a burden, but a joy and an easeful and flowing life ensues. There may be difficulties and difficult times, but solutions to problems present themselves in prayer.

Carrying one's cross may not be easy, but it is not a burden. Often, though not always, the journey requires one to go against the norms of one's cultural circles and face criticism and resistance, as Jesus did.

When I first read the verse "I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God" I was completely unknowing as to what it could mean. And then it came to me as a blinding glimpse of the obvious - the Kingdom of God (i.e. heaven) is here on earth, in this life, if we choose to take up our cross and follow our life's purpose!