September 1, 2020 

Our lives as Christians begin with the cross. It is central; it is essential; it is the center and core of Christianity. It is because of the cross that Jesus accepts us as we are – with all of our sins, failures, and hang-ups. In our Gospel portion for Sunday, however, our Lord talks of the centrality, essentiality, and permanency of the cross. “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”

What does this mean to us in this day and hour? 

It means accepting one another where they are in order that we may patiently and lovingly lead them to where God wants them to be. 

It means to stoop to the feet-washing level of our neighbor’s need in order that we may lift him/her to the glorious heights of God’s loving acceptance. 

It means to identify with humanity about us, irrespective of race, color, or creed – to be truly human. 

It means involvement with the sufferings and sorrows, conflicts and consternations, failures and defeats, of one another. 

It means that we bear one another’s burdens and share in their despair. 

It means that we listen - and then put our lives on the line in loving and sacrificial action to bring justice and dignity and opportunity and validity to every human being within our reach or circle of influence. 

It means that, whenever and wherever possible, we proclaim the blessed Gospel of God’s love and grace through Jesus.

Jesus went to the cross on our behalf. May our Savior and Lord enable us to take up our cross and follow Him.