I take up my cross.

 I Take Up My Cross

A Reflection on Matthew 16:24

I take up my cross—not a burden that I bear

For works or penance, but the call to die to my own care.

Not the daily troubles, not the weight of mortal strife,

But the willing, chosen dying to the love of this world's life.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)

I take up my cross—where my will meets His will,

Where my plans grow quiet and my ambitions grow still.

Not a decoration, not a charm to wear around my neck,

But the instrument of death to self at every single step.

The cross is not a tragedy—it is the path to resurrection.

It is the holy place of losing to find the true direction.

For in the dying, life is born; in the letting go, I gain.

The cross is where I learn to live, and where I break every chain.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)

So I take it up—not once, but daily, as the sun does rise.

I lay my selfish longings, I close my grasping eyes.

I follow in the footsteps of the One who went before,

Who carried His own cross and opened heaven's door.

I take up my cross—not with sorrow, but with holy pride,

Knowing that the Savior walks forever by my side.

And the cross that seems so heavy becomes a wing, a key,

For it leads me out of bondage into true liberty.

Whoever does not take up their cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it. (Matthew 10:38-39)

So here I am. I lift the wood. I place it on my shoulder.

Not in my strength, but in His grace, as I grow older

In faith and trust and surrender deep—

I take up my cross. His promise I keep.

Amen.