A WORD FOR TODAY 11 AUGUST 2023

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*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*THE CROSS IS OUR BRIDGE TO BLISS*

_Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24)._

_*When Jesus used the words “if anyone would come after him”, he was speaking of discipleship. He was giving a requirement for any one who would want to be His disciple. He was asking that such persons come along, whole and entire to follow His precepts for life.*_

_The cross has this special thing with it. It does not lead to a death without a resurrection. When we take up our crosses, we follow Jesus as he leads to Calvary; we die there with Him and also resurrect with Him. What this means is that the fruit of every cross is good. Sometimes we receive that goodness here on earth, other times it is after the earth. What is sure is that in the cross is salvation._

_*For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Matthew 16:25). The ironical thing about the Cross we carry while we follow Jesus is that it will look like it is actually leading no where. Whereas that cross is our bridge to bliss here on earth or hereafter. It is good to note that the cross is rewarded because it tests our faith and proves our unconditional love and devotion to God. The cross may be tough but it is bearable with Jesus.*_

_Today we celebrate St. Claire who at an early age, left her home to follow St. Francis of Assisi who preached a spirituality based on the cross. The core of this spirituality is to imitate Jesus, the crucified who though he was God, abandoned everything to embrace the poverty of man, carried the cross and died on it. St. Claire provides us an example to follow._

_*My dear friend, nothing is as important as our relationship with God. It is okay to sacrifice for it by carrying a cross only to sustain and grow our relationship with Him._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a beautiful day. May you find all the grace you need to carry your cross productively. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen._

*Meditation:* Deuteronomy 4:32-40 /Psalm 77.12-13.14-15.16 and 21/ Matthew 16:24-28

*Watch-Word:* I kill and make alive. Take up your cross and follow me.

*A rejection of the cross, is a rejection of the glory that comes with it.*

(Friday of the eighteenth week in the ordinary time. Memorial of St. Clare of Assisi.)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*