“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25
When the above excerpt from this Sunday’s Gospel is partnered with the 2nd Reading for the day, everything falls neatly into place making it easier to understand what Jesus is saying. “I urge you, then, brothers, remembering the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, dedicated and acceptable to God; that is the kind of worship for you, as sensible people. Do not model your behavior on the contemporary world, but let the renewing of your minds transform you, so that you may discern for yourselves what is the will of God–what is good and acceptable and mature.” Romans 12:1-2
In Matthew, Jesus tells us to renounce ourselves so that we might save ourselves. In Romans it expressed in a simpler way– offer your bodies as sacrifice in worship of God. When we sacrifice our bodies to God, we empty ourselves of all that is worldly and fill ourselves with all that is Godly. We allow the renewing of our minds to transform us into His image and likeness, becoming filled with His Holy Spirit, thereby enabling us to discern the will of God in our own lives.
Between now and this Sunday, let us look for ways to empty ourselves of the world and offer it in sacrifice to God. In doing so, we will be better prepared. In doing so, we will be more open to the renewal of His Spirit within when we hear His Word.
Blessing to all!
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