Follow Me with Your Cross

by Fr. Elario Zambakari  |  08/30/2026  |  Weekly Reflection

We are often caught up with the worldly things of money, name, fame, honor, riches, and glory. As a result, we only focus on our goals and achievements and become selfish. At times, in order to achieve our goals, we are ready to go to any extent to harm or defame others. We hardly pay attention to others and their needs. In these moments, we need to bring to our mind the most important aspect of our life journey is discerning the will of God.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus vividly presents His purpose of coming into the world. Jesus rebukes Peter for being a stumbling block to His mission. His ultimate goal and purpose are His mission of self-giving and gaining an eternal reward. Secondly, His discipleship demands not an easy and comfortable life but a life full of hardships, suffering and pain. It also extends to the extent of denying oneself and carrying one’s own cross and following Him. Finally, He invites us not to choose to live a life for ourselves but to become a cause of something to someone. Thus, saving oneself and others and becoming a true disciple of Jesus will be achieved, and the acceptable and perfect will of God will be discerned and lived faithfully.

Lord, help us not to live for one’s own glory and fame but to discern and appropriate the will of God in our lives and live it out faithfully forever.