The Daily Cross:
Radical Discipleship
In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, verses 22-25, Jesus presents a paradoxical invitation that challenges the very core of human self-preservation and worldly ambition. "If anyone would come after me," He declares, "he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." These words are not merely a metaphorical suggestion but a radical call to a life-changing way of living that starkly contrasts the world's understanding of success and self-fulfillment. Always remember, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14 The more I study and read scripture the more I begin to see, that so many more people will take the wide gate.
The scripture begins with Jesus foretelling His own suffering, rejection, and ultimate crucifixion. This prophecy is not just a prediction of His personal journey, but a blueprint for discipleship. By speaking openly about His impending sacrifice, Jesus reveals that the path of true discipleship is neither comfortable nor convenient. It is a path marked by self-denial, sacrifice, and a willingness to embrace suffering for a greater purpose.
Taking up one's cross daily is not a one-time heroic act, but a continual, moment-by-moment choice of surrendering personal desires, comforts, and ambitions. It means dying to self—to our ego, our pride, our immediate gratifications—and choosing instead a life aligned with God's will. This daily crucifixion is not about seeking suffering for suffering's sake, but about living our life for Jesus.
Many of us fear the cross we are called to bear. We are afraid of discomfort, of losing control, of giving up the familiar securities of the world. We cling to material possessions, social status, personal reputation, our bank accounts, and comfort as if these were our lifelines. Yet Jesus challenges us to recognize that these attachments are ultimately transient and can become barriers to true spiritual growth. They have the potential to eternally separate you from God.
The profound paradox Jesus presents is that in losing our life for His sake, we actually find true life. The world teaches us to accumulate, to protect, to prioritize personal gain, it's all about ME. But the gospel invites us to a counterintuitive path: through letting go, we gain; through dying, we live; through surrender, we find true freedom.
Reflection Questions to Ponder:
- What are the "Crosses" you encounter daily that you might be resisting or avoiding?
- In what areas of your life are you most attached to worldly comforts and securities? Do you think what the world looks at as success is what God looks at as success? Some of the poorest, most wrecked souls have become Saints, not because they had worldly success, no on the contrary, they were what the world would see as failures. Yet God sees them in a different light, an eternal one.
- How might embracing these daily challenges with love transform your spiritual journey?
- Are you willing to see your daily struggles as opportunities for spiritual growth rather than obstacles?
The call to take up our cross is not a burden, but an invitation. It is an invitation to participate in a divine narrative of redemption, to align our lives with a love that transcends human understanding. Each day presents us with opportunities to choose love over fear, surrender over control, and eternal perspective over temporary gratification.
As you reflect on these words, remember that taking up your cross is not about achieving perfection, but about being willing - truly willing - to be shaped by divine love. It is about saying "yes" to a journey of transformation, one small surrender at a time.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
