Dear Parishioner,

I made reference in my answer to a teenage question of the week that losing one’s parents, while it is difficult, is to be expected in the natural course of one’s life. However, the loss of children by parents of any age, especially when young, is a heartbreaking experience. It can forever change a family’s point of view about life and faith. The power of such a loss can forever alter a marriage and the bonds among the remaining children.

In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that discipleship always comes with a cost attached and in His own words He tells us that carrying our cross is often what is required of us if we are to follow Him and that such crosses often take the shape of personal loss and sacrifice.

I find it interesting that the gospel begins with the notation that, “Great crowds were traveling with Jesus.” One cannot help but wonder how many in that great crowd kept following Him when they heard the rest of the gospel. In the present day…not much has changed. Great crowds still yearn for Jesus Christ to fix things rather than help us carry our crosses. Many do not have the strength for such a relationship and they fall away from their faith.

The hard times in all of our lives tempt us to run and hide, but if we truly follow Christ we must bear every cross with dignity, grace and strength.