Jesus makes the point strongly – not only is He destined to suffer but those who follow Him are going to suffer too. The true followers of Jesus will, like Him, have to shoulder the burdens of suffering and death. They could avoid it by conforming to the things that the world values – but, in the end, they can only do this by losing their integrity – the person they were created to be. But, the promise Jesus offers at the end shows that this is not empty suffering – or pain for its own sake. In the end, the followers will be vindicated – rewarded by the Father with eternal life.
Adults: What are the crosses that you are asked to bear? How does today’s Gospel offer you hope?
Children: When has it been hard for you to follow Jesus?
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