No Wimps Here
“Holiness is not for wimps and the cross is not negotiable, sweetheart, it’s a requirement.” ~ Mother Angelica
Sometimes, you just cannot pretty up the truth. You can’t make people “feel good” about something that might not be desirable. You just have to say it. Mother Angelica did just that in today’s quote. The quote actually reminds me of the Gospel two days ago when Jesus told His followers, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Mt 16:24-25)
There is a cost to discipleship. The cost can appear to be quite harsh. Actually, the cost can be extremely harsh, even to the point of losing one’s life. However, the cost of discipleship is nothing compared to the benefits and reward. The benefits are the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit and the reward, well, how do you spell e-t-e-r-n-i-t-y?
We might have to face opposition here on earth. We might have to face ridicule or rejection. We might be brought up against those who wish to tear the faith down. We might have to forfeit our own lives. That’s the cross.
Jesus helps us to carry our crosses, though. He helps us shoulder the burden. He will give us everything that we need to remain faithful to Him if that is our true desire. Never be afraid of the pain, the worry, the rejection, or any other cost of discipleship.
No matter what the world might try to offer us instead is nothing compared to the glory that awaits us if we cling dearly to that cross. It will bring us through death to life, just as it brought Jesus.
In the cross, glory.
FAITH ACTION: Do not be afraid to shoulder your cross today. Even more, do not be afraid to ask Jesus to share your burden.