http://usccb.org/bible/readings/112413.cfm
Quick recap:
1st reading - 2 Samuel - David was anointed king of Israel
Psalm 122 - Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Epistle - Colossians - Ode to Christ
Gospel - Luke 23 - Jesus on the cross, jeered at by rules, soldiers, and one of the criminals, while the other criminal asks to be remembered.
"Save yourself" - this is what Jesus' hears. Those present mock Jesus. In their eyes, if He was really a King, He could do something about His situation. Yet, Jesus has a different understanding of 'save yourself.' Jesus' amazing gift couldn't be given if He 'saved Himself' from such a painful and terrible death. Likewise, we are not to expect a life free from suffering and pain. Life comes with hurts and hard times, stress and sadness. This is true for all followers of Christ. As stated in Living Liturgy 2013, "Salvation is less a matter of being saved from, than a matter of being saved for. Here is our strongest motivation to live a Gospel life: Jesus invites us to share in his eternal glory."
We don't follow Christ because it's easy. Being a disciple means there WILL be sorrow and death, but we faithfully follow because we want to "share in [Christ's] eternal glory" (Living Liturgy 2013). Each day we will face new challenges, and we are called to persevere. Our belief in God is not the easy button to make all of our problems disappear, but we can rejoice in God's love. We must continue our journey to Paradise.
Prayer - Lord, we are being saved for Paradise. Help us not lose sight of that goal. As disciples, we will share in the struggles so we can share in the 'eternal glory'. Give us the strength to wholeheartedly answer that call.
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