Daily Gospel Reflection for August 5, 2016

Today's Gospel: Matthew 16, 24-28

At first glance, today's Gospel seems like another one of Christ's riddles, specifically coined to drive ordinary human beings crazy. Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. When we do die to our false selves, we are promised that will actually be finding our true selves.

The question every mortal must ask is, “How exactly do I die to my false self?” Even if I want to deny myself because I realize this is the price of serious discipleship, I don't know how. I might try great acts of self-denial, prayer, and alms giving, but even religious devotions can be centered on myself, on what I am doing for God. We are all born with an innate tendency to view the world as it revolves around us. Of course, when it is put so bluntly, we all laugh and agree we are not the centre of the universe; but this change from egocentricity to Godcentricity is not easy.

We are invited by the Lord to empty ourselves of ourselves to make room for His Life to dwell in us. The God of the entire universe lived as a mortal and died for our sinful, false selves. He is the Saviour; He will save us from ourselves.

Ponder:

Are you ready to let go of pride and a self-centered lifestyle to discover your true self?

Pray:

Lord, forgive me because I function like I am the centre of the universe. I choose to let go of my false self, to let it die so I can find my true self hidden in You.

Copyright 2016 Melanie Jean Juneau

Melanie Jean Juneau is a mother of nine who blogs at joy of nine9. Her writing is humorous and heart-warming; thoughtful and thought-provoking. Part of her call and her witness is to write the truth about children, family and marriage. Melanie is the administrator of ACWB, the Editor in Chief at CatholicStand, a writer at CAPC & author of Echoes of the Divine.