August 7, Friday Weekday

I remember the deeds of the Lord.-- Psalm 77:12

Mass readings: Deuteronomy 4:32-40 / Matthew 16:24-28

We Can Be Disciples

It's easy to find today's Gospel intimidating. Isn't the age of real religious heroism past? Those of us who follow Jesus today, unlike those who accompanied Him in His own time, are very unlikely to lose our lives on His account. We're also, unlike the disciples who traveled and ate and slept with the Lord, very unlikely even to think of Him 24/7. Today, as I'm writing this, and today, as you're reading this, we're focused on Jesus. Soon, though, when the baby cries or the phone rings or the ball game starts, our attention will be elsewhere.

But that's all right. Jesus asks us only to stay with Him, to take up our crosses -- our daily lives -- and follow in His path: the way of compassion, selflessness and service. That's discipleship.

Prayer: Lead me, Lord, and I will follow, even to the Cross.