Readings
I - Jas. 2: 14-24, 26
II - Mk. 8:34-9:1
St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara
DENY YOUR SELF AND FOLLOW THE LORD
Jesus has given three conditions to whoever wishes to come after him: one, deny oneself, two, take up his crosses and finally to follow him. One refuses or ceases to commit to these conditions because the pomp of the world allures, glory of the earth entraps into vanity and the pride of self prevents from following Jesus. Jesus also says in today’s Gospel passage, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” These words have topsy turvied the lives of many saints. For the pomp, glory and the pride that cannot follow us after our life here on this earth that is transient, why should we give up following Christ that ensures life eternal?
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the first male saint of Indian origin. He was born in Kerala, belonged to the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Catholic Church. St. Kuriakose was the co-founder and the first prior general of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. The main work of their congregation was education that result in the personal and societal transformation. St. Kuriakose was a man of prayer and overcame all hurdles with his devotion to the Eucharist and our Blessed mother. He used to say, “Since you belong to God, you have to give yourself back to God”. Let us also like the saint of the day, dare to live for the Lord instead of giving into our pride, pomp and glory that are not eternal. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to follow you carrying our crosses cheerfully”
