Readings
I - Nahum 1: 15, 2:2, 3: 1-3, 6-7
II - Mt. 16: 24-28
Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW THE LORD
In today’s Gospel passage Jesus exhorts to carry the cross if anyone wishes to follow him. It is worth suffering for the Lord because the path of the Lord marked us for us assures life eternal. In following our heart’s desire we might gain a bit of the glory of the world that is deceptive, at the cost of losing our own souls that are destined for heaven. Every one of our act will be examined and rewarded at the time of the Son of Man coming in glory.
Today the Church remembers the dedication of St. Mary Major Church, Rome, a great and gigantic church built in honour of Mother Mary. The site for the Church was chosen by the Blessed Mother herself through the miraculous snow fall at that site as she promised. The purpose of every church besides being a place of worship, glory, honour and praise to God, binds brothers and sisters in fraternity, unity and equality that assures of the eternal reward. Let us today in a particular way pray to our Blessed Mother to give us the courage to follow the Lord unbinding ourselves from the power, pomp and the pride of the world. May our Mother Mary lead us to Jesus her son, accompanying us in our life journey.
