TAKING UP THE CROSS

Bust of Christ, late fourth century - Catacomb of Commodilla, Rome.  "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me"(Mark 8, 34).

 The Romans knew what taking up the cross meant.  Death on a cross was a form of execution used by Rome for dangerous criminals. A prisoner carried his own cross to the place of execution, signifying submission to Rome's power. Jesus used the image of carrying a cross to illustrate the ultimate submission required of His followers. He is not against pleasure, nor was He saying that we should seek pain needlessly.  Jesus was talking about the heroic effort needed to follow Him moment by moment, to do His will even when the work is difficult and the future looks bleak. ( Zon)

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