Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Readings of the Day

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?"

 Luke 9:22-25

Christ Carrying the Cross, El Greco



What is the cross I am being asked to bear?

Can I bear this cross willingly, cheerfully?

Lord,
may everything we do
begin with your inspiration,
continue with your help, and reach perfection under your guidance.