Universal Utterings®
for September 15, 2024

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09-15-2024 Mark 8 V-3438 Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me

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The Gospel of Mark 8 v- 34 thru 38

34 He 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. 35 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. 36 What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?37 What could one give in exchange for his life? 38 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.”

Mark 8:34-38 encapsulates a pivotal teaching of Jesus regarding the cost of discipleship. In this passage, Jesus calls the crowd and His disciples to Him, emphasizing that anyone who wishes to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. This invitation to discipleship is profound, as it challenges the conventional understanding of following a leader.

The phrase "deny themselves" signifies a profound relinquishment of personal desires and ambitions in favor of a life devoted to Christ and His teachings. It implies that true discipleship requires a willingness to prioritize spiritual commitments over worldly concerns. The imagery of taking up one's cross is particularly striking, as it alludes to the ultimate sacrifice and suffering that Jesus Himself would endure. In the context of the first-century audience, the cross was a symbol of shame and execution, reinforcing the idea that following Jesus may lead to hardship and persecution.

Furthermore, Jesus speaks of the paradox of gaining the world yet losing one's soul. This challenges the materialistic values of society, urging individuals to reflect on what truly matters. The pursuit of wealth, status, or power pales in comparison to the eternal significance of one's soul. Ultimately, Jesus warns that those who are ashamed of Him and His words in this sinful generation will also face shame at His return.

Today’s Gospel serves as the Messiah’s call for authentic discipleship. It invites believers to embrace self-denial, endure suffering, and prioritize spiritual over material pursuits, all while recognizing the eternal implications of their choices. This passage challenges followers of Christ to consider the depth of their commitment and the transformative nature of true discipleship. It is what Jesus expects out of you. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

09-15-2024 Mark 8 V-3438

**Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me**

In the crowd, His voice resounds,

“Come, follow me, let love abound.

Deny yourself, take up your cross,

For in this path, you’ll find no loss.

Leave behind your fleeting dreams,

Embrace the truth, or so it seems.

For who would gain the world’s allure,

Yet lose the soul, forever unsure?

In sacrifice, true freedom lies,

Through trials faced, the heart will rise.

The cross you bear, though heavy bark,

Is but the light that ignites the dark.

Ashamed of Him? Beware the cost,

For in that shame, the soul is lost.

But stand, unyielding, firm in grace,

And find your worth in His eternal embrace.

For what is life, if not a quest,

To seek the One who knows us best?

In every struggle, pain, and strife,

We find our purpose, find our life.

So take the step, though fear may bind,

In Christ, a new creation find.

For those who follow, bold and true,

Shall know the joy of being renewed.” Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

September 15, 2024 @ 05:01 AM EST

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