SACRED VERSE

Mark 8:34-38

Hardest when clearest?

I tend to agree with Mark Twain that it’s sometimes hardest to follow Jesus’ wishes the clearer they are stated.

We can struggle all over

the place with passages that are complex, their meaning obscure. I don’t feel any pressure to define it when better minds than mine haven’t been able to do so over the centuries.

But when it’s clear, such as today’s Gospel from Mark, I have little excuse. So let’s take a look.

Jesus says to follow him requires three things:

• Deny myself and place him above all;
• Pick up my cross—following Jesus costs me something; and,
• Prioritize his values over my own.

Now, of course, I realize the trap of clarity. If we don’t understand something, it’s no wonder we may miss something. Perhaps I can be excused for that.

It might be enjoyable to pick one of these for a study conversation. And “too hard” is not an acceptable answer!

This can make for a rousing conversation, especially if our guard is down. And, remember, that carrying a cross does include any burden associated with a mother-in-law’s visit!