May Jesus Christ who calls us to follow him as his disciples, be with you!

How often do we become lax and comfortable with our ideals and ways of thinking?  How often do we make decisions based on how we think decisions should be made... or based on opinions of media talk show hosts? The book of Wisdom says: "For the deliberations of mortals are timid and unsure are our plans."  The ideals and life choices we make are sometimes made without God in mind and sometimes "unsure."

Jesus, in today's Gospel, challenges us:  "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."  In other words, if we call ourselves Christians, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we must think, act and speak with Jesus in mind.

As Christians, we need to listen to the words Jesus speaks to us. Jesus is our refuge and our strength.  With Him at our side, our life choices should reflect his presence.

To be a good and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, we must renounce anything that will keep us from allowing him to work in and through us.  Christ's ideals should be our ideals.

Peace!

Msgr. Britto