Episode 1520: Do we as Catholics take up our Cross?

Matthew 16:24-26 - "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?

This passage is a significant teaching by Jesus about the cost of discipleship and the importance of prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly pursuits.
Its interesting to me that protestants accuse the Catholics of neither knowing the bible or reading the bible. Im here to provide not only do we but we always did and our holy sacrifice of the mass is chock full of scripture. But separates us is that we have both scripture and tradition and so we study for the intellects of the Church instead of pop-up ministers incorrectly trained. Sorry I know that tough but you will always find CR use and refer to Scripture and today is no different. So let me explain this passage "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." I’m going to break it down into 5 parts.
Explanation:

1. Deny Himself and Take Up His Cross: This phrase emphasizes the self-surrender and self-sacrifice required of a true disciple of Jesus. It means being willing to put aside one's own desires, comforts, and ambitions in order to follow Jesus and do the will of God. "Taking up the cross" signifies embracing the challenges and sufferings that may come with being a Christian.
Deny Himself:

Self-Denial: This involves willingly relinquishing one's own desires, ambitions, and comforts in order to align oneself with the will of God. It means putting God's priorities and the needs of others ahead of personal interests.

Detachment from Worldly Desires: It calls for detachment from material possessions, worldly status, and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures. This doesn't mean rejecting the goodness of God's creation, but rather not allowing these things to become idols or distractions from the pursuit of God.

Spiritual Discipline: Self-denial often involves practices like fasting, prayer, and acts of charity. These help individuals to develop self-control and to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.

Following Christ's Example: Jesus exemplified self-denial throughout his life, particularly in his willingness to endure the cross for the sake of humanity's salvation.

Take Up His Cross:

Embracing Suffering and Sacrifice: Taking up one's cross means accepting the trials, challenges, and even suffering that may come with following Christ. This can include enduring persecution, facing moral dilemmas, or undergoing personal struggles.

Accepting God's Will: It signifies a willingness to accept and bear whatever burdens or difficulties God permits in one's life, trusting that God can use even suffering for a greater purpose.

Identification with Christ: The imagery of the cross reminds us of Jesus' ultimate act of self-sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. By taking up our own crosses, we participate in Christ's redemptive work and identify with his mission.

Resurrection and Hope: It's important to remember that the cross is not the end of the story. Just as Christ's cross led to the Resurrection, our own willingness to embrace the crosses in our lives can lead to a deeper union with God and the promise of eternal life.

Relevance to Discipleship:

This teaching challenges individuals to move beyond a superficial or self-serving faith. It calls for a radical commitment to living out the Gospel, even when it involves discomfort or sacrifice. In doing so, believers become more conformed to the image of Christ and are better equipped to spread the message of the Gospel through their own lives.

Ultimately, "Deny Himself and Take Up His Cross" is a call to a sacrificial, selfless, and Christ-centered way of living, rooted in trust and obedience to God's will. It's an invitation to embrace the profound mystery of suffering and redemption, knowing that God can bring good even out of the most challenging circumstances.
2. Follow Me: This is a call to imitate Jesus in both his actions and attitudes. It means walking in the footsteps of Christ, emulating his love, mercy, humility, and obedience to God the Father.
Imitating Christ:

Modeling Christ's Life: "Follow Me" is an invitation to imitate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This means not only understanding his words, but also striving to embody his attitudes, virtues, and actions.

Moral and Spiritual Formation: Following Christ involves a continuous process of spiritual growth and moral development. It means aligning one's thoughts, desires, and actions with the values and principles of the Gospel.

Conforming to His Image: The goal of following Christ is to become more like him, both in character and in the way one interacts with others. It's a lifelong journey of becoming a living reflection of Christ in the world.

Obedience and Surrender:

Total Commitment: Following Christ requires a wholehearted commitment to his lordship. It means submitting one's will to God's will and being obedient to the teachings of Christ as revealed in Scripture and the Church's Tradition.

Trust and Surrender: It involves a deep trust in God's wisdom, providence, and love. Following Christ often means stepping into the unknown or facing challenges with the assurance that God is in control.

Abandonment to Divine Providence: This concept, rooted in Catholic spirituality, emphasizes a complete surrender to God's plan, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity.

Discipleship as a Journey:

Progressive Transformation: Following Christ is not an instant achievement, but a lifelong process of transformation. It involves continual conversion and growth in faith, hope, and love.

Learning and Growth: Like the original disciples, contemporary followers of Christ are called to be learners. This includes studying Scripture, engaging with the teachings of the Church, and seeking spiritual guidance.

Prayer and Sacraments: Prayer, especially in the context of the Eucharist and other sacraments, is a central means by which individuals deepen their relationship with Christ and are empowered to live out their faith.

Witness and Evangelization:

Being a Light in the World: Following Christ entails being a beacon of Christ's love, truth, and mercy in the world. It involves living in a way that draws others to the person of Jesus.

Sharing the Good News: Believers are called to share the Gospel message with others, inviting them to also follow Christ and experience the transforming power of his love.

Acts of Charity and Compassion: Following Christ means actively participating in works of mercy and justice, reflecting Christ's concern for the marginalized and suffering.

Relevance to Discipleship:

"Follow Me" is not a passive invitation; it's a call to action. It's an ongoing commitment to walk in the footsteps of Christ, allowing his life and teachings to shape every aspect of one's existence. Through this radical discipleship, individuals become ambassadors of God's kingdom, contributing to the transformation of the world into a more just, loving, and God-centered place.
3. For Whoever Would Save His Life Will Lose It: This is a paradoxical statement indicating that clinging too tightly to one's own desires for comfort, security, and worldly success can ultimately lead to spiritual emptiness and loss.

Temporal vs. Eternal Perspective:

Temporal Life: This phrase refers to the earthly, temporal life that we experience in this world. It encompasses our physical existence, desires, ambitions, and pursuits.

Eternal Life: In contrast, "eternal life" in Christian understanding does not only refer to life after death, but also to a quality of life that is deeply connected to God, marked by spiritual fulfillment, joy, and communion with God. It is a life that transcends the limitations of the physical world.

Attachment to Worldly Desires:

The Danger of Overemphasis: This teaching warns against prioritizing worldly pursuits, such as wealth, comfort, fame, and power, to the detriment of one's spiritual well-being. Overemphasis on these earthly concerns can lead to spiritual emptiness and a loss of one's true identity and purpose.

Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Losses: It cautions against the pursuit of immediate gratification and material gain at the expense of neglecting one's relationship with God and the pursuit of holiness.

The Paradox of Self-Preservation:

Paradoxical Wisdom: This statement employs a paradox to convey a profound spiritual truth. It suggests that those who obsessively focus on preserving and protecting their temporal lives at all costs may, in fact, miss out on the deeper, more fulfilling life that God offers.

The Irony of Spiritual Growth: Paradoxically, it is often in moments of self-surrender, self-giving, and self-sacrifice for the sake of God and others that individuals find the deepest satisfaction and sense of purpose.

Spiritual Transformation and Conversion:

Transformation through Letting Go: This teaching encourages individuals to be open to a transformative process that requires letting go of attachments to worldly possessions, personal comfort, and self-centered desires.

Dying to Self: The concept of "dying to self" is closely related to this teaching. It involves a conscious effort to put aside the ego, selfish desires, and sinful inclinations in order to live in accordance with God's will.

Embracing the Cross:

Link to Taking Up the Cross: This teaching is closely connected to the earlier command to "take up his cross" in Matthew 16:24. Both emphasize the idea of self-sacrifice and a willingness to endure challenges for the sake of following Christ.

Participation in Christ's Redemptive Work: By surrendering our lives for the sake of Christ, we share in his mission of redemption and participate in the salvation of the world.

Relevance to Discipleship:

This teaching challenges individuals to reevaluate their priorities and to consider the true source of fulfillment and purpose in life. It invites a shift from a self-centered perspective to a God-centered one, recognizing that authentic life and joy are ultimately found in a deep and transformative relationship with God. By letting go of the narrow pursuit of self-interest, individuals open themselves to the abundant life that God desires for them.
4. Whoever Loses His Life for My Sake Will Find It: This highlights the idea that when a person is willing to let go of their self-centered desires and live for the sake of Christ, they will find true and abundant life, both in this world and in eternity.
Surrendering to Christ's Lordship:

Putting Christ First: This statement emphasizes the importance of making Jesus the central focus of one's life. It involves surrendering one's desires, plans, and ambitions to the lordship of Christ.

Total Commitment: It calls for a radical commitment to living out one's faith in a way that places Christ's teachings, values, and mission above all other considerations.

Losing to Gain:

The Paradox of Sacrifice: This statement contains a paradoxical truth. It suggests that by willingly relinquishing one's life in service to Christ and his Kingdom, individuals ultimately discover a deeper and more meaningful existence.

Spiritual Fulfillment: Losing one's life for Christ's sake involves a profound spiritual exchange. While it may entail sacrifices, it leads to a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and a deepened relationship with God.

Identifying with Christ's Sacrifice:

Mystical Union with Christ: This teaching invites believers to participate in the redemptive work of Christ through their own self-sacrifice. It connects individuals to the Paschal Mystery—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Imitating Christ's Love: It calls for a willingness to love others sacrificially, mirroring the self-giving love of Christ demonstrated on the cross.

The Priority of Eternal Values:

Eternal Perspective: Losing one's life for Christ's sake requires an understanding that the ultimate value and purpose of life are found in eternal, spiritual realities rather than temporary, earthly gains.

Wealth of the Soul: This teaching implies that the soul is of greater value than any material possessions or worldly achievements. Prioritizing the soul's well-being over external success leads to true abundance.

Embracing the Cross with Hope:

Hope in Resurrection: The statement implies that the loss of one's life for Christ is not the end, but a step towards a deeper, more abundant life. It points to the hope of resurrection and the promise of eternal life with God.

Trust in Divine Providence: It encourages a trust that God's plan for our lives, even in moments of apparent loss or sacrifice, leads to a greater good and a more profound fulfillment.

Relevance to Discipleship:

This teaching challenges individuals to adopt a radical and selfless approach to living out their faith. It invites them to trust in God's wisdom and to believe that a life centered on Christ is the path to true fulfillment and abundant living. By losing their lives for Christ's sake, individuals open themselves to a deeper and more intimate relationship with God and discover the profound meaning and purpose that God intends for their lives.
5. For What Will It Profit a Man...: This rhetorical question underscores the immense value of a human soul. It challenges the pursuit of worldly wealth, power, and acclaim in comparison to the eternal destiny of the soul.
Temporal Gain vs. Eternal Loss:

Worldly Success and Possessions: This question highlights the pursuit of worldly wealth, power, and success. It acknowledges that gaining the entire world in material wealth and influence is a significant achievement in worldly terms.

Soul's Eternal Value: However, it contrasts this temporal success with the eternal value of the soul. It poses a rhetorical question, emphasizing that no amount of worldly gain can compensate for the loss of one's soul.

The Incomparable Worth of the Soul:

Infinite Value: This teaching asserts that the soul, being created in the image of God and destined for eternal communion with Him, possesses an infinite worth that surpasses any material possession or worldly achievement.

Immutability of the Soul: Unlike material wealth, which is subject to decay, loss, or depreciation, the soul's value remains constant and enduring, making it the most precious aspect of human existence.

The Danger of Misplaced Priorities:

Misguided Pursuits: It warns against the misguided pursuit of worldly success at the expense of neglecting one's spiritual well-being. Focusing solely on material gains can lead to a spiritual emptiness and a loss of one's ultimate purpose.

The Deceptive Nature of Worldly Riches: It recognizes that the allure of material wealth and power can be seductive, often leading individuals to invest disproportionate time and energy in pursuits that do not ultimately fulfill the deepest longings of the human heart.

The Concept of Detachment:

Freedom from Inordinate Attachment: This teaching aligns with the Catholic principle of detachment, which advocates for a healthy perspective on material possessions. It encourages individuals to use worldly goods responsibly and to avoid becoming overly attached to them.

Stewardship and Generosity: Rather than hoarding wealth for personal gain, the Catholic tradition emphasizes the importance of using resources to benefit others, particularly the less fortunate, as an expression of love and justice.

The Need for a Proper Hierarchy of Values:

Seeking First the Kingdom of God: This teaching reinforces the importance of prioritizing spiritual and moral values over material concerns. It aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Integration of Faith and Daily Life: It invites individuals to integrate their faith into all aspects of their lives, including their pursuits, decisions, and relationships, recognizing that true fulfillment is found in living in accordance with God's will.

Relevance to Discipleship:

This question serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate purpose and destiny of human life. It challenges individuals to evaluate their priorities and to recognize that true prosperity is not found in the accumulation of material wealth, but in the pursuit of holiness and the flourishing of the soul in communion with God. By placing the eternal well-being of the soul above all else, individuals align themselves with the deepest longings of their hearts and fulfill their true purpose as beloved children of God.
St. John of the Cross (1542-1591):

St. John of the Cross was a fellow Carmelite and a mystic like St. Teresa. He wrote extensively on the "Dark Night of the Soul," which is a period of spiritual purification. He might have seen in this passage an affirmation that the soul's ultimate goal is union with God, and this may require letting go of attachments to worldly things.
Here's a detailed explanation:

The Dark Night of the Soul:

Spiritual Purification: St. John of the Cross wrote about a profound and often challenging phase in the spiritual journey that he referred to as the "Dark Night of the Soul." This is a period of intense purification where the soul experiences a sense of spiritual dryness, aridity, and a feeling of being distant from God.

Detachment from Worldly Attachments: In this dark night, the soul undergoes a process of detachment from the things of the world, including material possessions, sensory pleasures, and even consolations in prayer. This mirrors the call in Matthew 16:24 to "deny himself" and "take up his cross," as the soul willingly embraces a degree of spiritual discomfort and abandonment of self.

A Call to Radical Self-Surrender: The dark night is a call to surrender completely to God, even in the midst of apparent spiritual desolation. This corresponds to the teaching in Matthew 16:25 about losing one's life for Christ's sake. The soul learns to let go of its own desires and attachments in order to fully embrace God's will.

Embracing Spiritual Trials:

Enduring Spiritual Aridity: The experience of spiritual dryness and aridity in the dark night is akin to the sense of losing one's life for the sake of Christ. It requires a willingness to persevere through difficult and trying times, trusting that God is still present and at work in the soul's purification.

Trusting in God's Plan: Just as Matthew 16:26 questions the value of gaining the whole world at the expense of one's soul, the dark night challenges the soul to trust that God's plan, even in moments of spiritual darkness, leads to a greater good and a deeper union with Him.

Union with God in Spiritual Poverty:

Discovering God in Spiritual Poverty: St. John of the Cross teaches that in the dark night, the soul experiences a profound poverty of spirit. It comes to recognize its own limitations and insufficiencies, which leads to a deeper reliance on God's grace and a more profound union with Him.

Finding True Life in God: This corresponds to the teaching in Matthew 16:25 that whoever loses his life for Christ's sake will find it. Through the process of self-emptying and surrender, the soul discovers a more authentic and abundant life in God, far surpassing any worldly gain.

The Ultimate Goal: Union with God: Ultimately, the dark night leads the soul to a deeper, more intimate union with God, characterized by a love that transcends the limitations of the senses and the intellect.

In summary, St. John of the Cross's teachings on the Dark Night of the Soul provide a profound spiritual framework for understanding and living out the teachings in Matthew 16:24-26. Both emphasize the importance of radical self-surrender, detachment from worldly attachments, and a deep trust in God's transformative work in the soul's journey towards union with Him.
Traditional Catholic Teaching:

In traditional Catholic teaching, this passage is often seen as a call to embrace the demands of discipleship with wholehearted dedication. It encourages believers to prioritize spiritual values over material gain and to be willing to endure hardships and sufferings for the sake of Christ.

Furthermore, it's a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment are found in living a life in accordance with God's will, even if it means facing difficulties. This teaching is in line with the broader Catholic understanding of the Christian life as a journey of holiness, wherein individuals are called to grow in their likeness to Christ and to seek union with God.

Overall, the passage encourages a deep and personal commitment to following Jesus, understanding that this commitment may entail sacrifices, but it ultimately leads to a more profound and meaningful existence.