In today's Gospel reading from Mark 8, Jesus asks His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter replies, "You are the Christ."
After this conversation with the disciples, Jesus summons the crowd and says to them, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."
Self denial. This can be one of the most difficult things for humans. Our instincts for self preservation and self gratification are very powerful. But they can be overcome, but only with the grace of God. Let's pray that God will give us all we need today to deny ourselves (i.e., give up our sinful tendencies) and follow Christ.
Father, you know well our weakness. Give us the strength today to deny ourselves and follow Jesus in all things. Amen.
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