Readings:
Genesis 11:1-9
Mark 8:34-9:1
Reflection:
Whoever loses his life for my sake and the sake of the gospel, will save it.
If I were falling out of a plane, descending rapidly without a parachute, what actions could I take to potentially save my life?
If experiencing anaphylactic shock while gripping an EpiPen in my hand, what could I do to save my life?
If I were in the front carriage of an out-of-control metro train and next to the emergency button, what could I do to save my life?
The answers to these questions seem clear. But what if I’m spiritually lost and heading towards a spiritual abyss, void of the eternal life offered to Christians? What can I do to save my life then?
For many, this answer is less obvious. It can be even less clear for those who identify as Christians. While the first three scenarios are frightening, this final one is worse because it involves not just physical loss but also spiritual and eternal loss and suffering. In this situation, what could I do to save my life?
In Mark 8:34-9:1, Jesus offers a profound teaching on what it truly means to save our lives, challenging our conventional views on life and death. His message encourages a spiritual perspective that transcends physical survival.
Jesus begins by addressing the crowd, saying, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34). This statement isn’t simply about a set of spiritual practices but is about eternal salvation and spiritual life. Jesus emphasizes the importance of saving our souls, not just our bodies, and calls for a radical shift in how we understand ourselves and the world.
The first step toward salvation is to “deny yourself.” This doesn’t mean rejecting self-worth or self-care, but rather rejecting the selfish part of ourselves that seeks personal gain at the expense of spiritual truth. Jesus calls us to recognize that our natural desires, often influenced by worldly things, can divert us from God. For example, earlier in the gospel, Peter misunderstood the role of the Messiah, thinking Jesus would be a conqueror rather than a suffering servant. This focus on earthly goals is what Jesus urges us to deny. Denying ourselves means surrendering our own will and accepting God’s plan, rather than holding onto a false identity shaped by the world.
The second step is to “take up your cross.” In Jesus’ time, this would have been a powerful and unsettling command, as crucifixion was a brutal form of public execution. A condemned person would carry their crossbeam to the place of execution, symbolizing humiliation and suffering. When Jesus tells us to take up our cross, He is calling us to be willing to endure hardship, suffering, and rejection in following Him. It is not about seeking out suffering, but about being prepared to face challenges and difficulties because of our commitment to Christ. Following Jesus means choosing God’s ways, even when they contrast with worldly values like comfort, success, or fame. Peter’s resistance to Jesus’ prediction of His suffering shows how challenging this can be. True discipleship involves accepting that following Jesus may bring difficulty and suffering, yet it ultimately leads to eternal life.
Finally, Jesus calls us to “follow me.” This goes beyond merely being near Jesus physically; it’s a call to submit to His presence, influence and leadership in every aspect of our lives. To follow Him means to trust Him as the way to true life and to make decisions in line with His teachings. It is an act of living in His presence, emulating Him, not just in words but through our actions. Following Jesus requires complete allegiance to Him and recognizing that His will is the guiding principle of our lives.
In Mark 8:35, Jesus further explains the stakes of this decision: “Whoever loses his life for my sake and the sake of the gospel will save it.” He warns that pursuing earthly desires—such as wealth, fame, or avoiding suffering—can ultimately cause us to lose our souls if they become more important than following Him. However, when we are willing to surrender our selfish ambitions and follow Jesus, we discover true life. The decision to follow Jesus is a serious one, with eternal consequences for our souls.
The heart of Jesus’ message lies in the three components of discipleship: denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him. These elements are interconnected, each one building upon the others. Denying ourselves involves rejecting selfish desires and worldly goals; taking up our cross means embracing suffering and rejection for Christ’s sake; and following Jesus is about living in complete surrender to His will.
These steps are not a mere checklist but a call to spiritual transformation. They represent a shift from living for ourselves to living for Christ. This process of surrender is continuous and requires daily commitment. True discipleship is the ongoing act of giving up our lives for Jesus, knowing that in doing so, we gain eternal life.
Michael Schiano has been a member of St. Brigid’s parish since 1990. As a parish member he has served on the Parish Pastoral Council, Liturgy Committee, Bereavement Team and is a member of the Passionist Companions. He has been an educator in the Archdiocese and has held positions in middle management and executive leadership positions. He currently works in Aged Care in the roles of Pastoral Care Co-Ordinator and Chaplaincy at Brigidine House, Randwick; St. Anne’s Hunters Hill; Pastoral Care Officer at Calvary Ryde.