30th August 2020
Dear Friends,
Many people, maybe some of you reading this, are fearful
and worried about what the future will bring. It could be unemployment,
starting school again or university, housing or poor health. We don’t know what
is ahead of us, thankfully.
So I have a real sympathy for Peter when Jesus chastises
him in Matthew’s Gospel, one of our readings for today. Peter just couldn’t
grasp or have any understanding that Jesus knew only too well what lay ahead
for Him. Jesus had grown up seeing that terrible Roman punishment of people
carrying part of the cross through the streets towards their crucifixion. He
knew that once the Romans had enough evidence that he might be the Messiah,
he’d be carrying His own cross through the streets of Jerusalem.
For us those words from Jesus, “Take up your cross and
follow me” may mean that we have to experience some sort of self denial, saying
to God that whatever he wants us to do is more important than what we would
like to do.
St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans gives them a long
list; loving what is good, be joyful with hope, give money to those who are
needy, pray for those who make your life difficult, live in harmony with one
another, don’t pay evil back with evil. These are just a few of that list which
is pretty challenging! How can I possibly do all that?
Fortunately, we don’t have to do it on our own; Jesus gives
us the grace of the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit is working within us, we shall
be changed till we become more like Jesus, who said, “If you want to become my
follower, cross out all selfishness, shoulder your cross, and follow me.”
If you are worried about the future, “Remember, today is
the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”
(Dale Carnegie)
Take care and keep smiling,
Ruth
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