Daily Gospel Reflection for July 12, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Julie Ann Monzi

Today's Gospel: Matthew 10:34—11:1

“Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” This verse brings to mind the movie, The Passion of the Christ, when Jesus, upon receiving His cross, embraces it. His love for us was so great that He literally embraced His cross, a cross that would cause Him great pain, both physical and mental.

Do you gladly take up your own cross each morning? I know I do not. Some days I am better at it than others though there are some days I grumble and complain.

When we look around at work, the grocery store, our neighbors, and relatives, it may seem that others have life easier than we do. Make no mistake: each of us has our own cross to bear. Maybe your coworker is better at hiding her pain than others. Or maybe she carries her personal cross and follows Jesus as He asked His disciples to do. Maybe she embraces her cross, knowing Jesus helps to carry it. It is probably a combination of it all since none of us is perfect.

Two things are certain. We should not compare ourselves to others, whether it's wondering if another’s burden is lighter or if he does a better job at lifting it than we do. More importantly, we need to hold onto the certainty that Jesus is helping us to carry our personal crosses. Think back to the movie, The Passion of the Christ. Imagine Jesus with you, just as Simon and Jesus walked arm in arm carrying the cross together.

Ponder:

How can I take up my personal cross and trust Jesus more each day?

Pray:

Jesus, help me to feel Your arms around me as I pick up my cross each day. I want to deepen my faith and rely on You more and more.

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We need to hold onto the certainty that Jesus is helping us to carry our personal crosses. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Julie Ann Monzi

Julie Ann Monzi lives in Gettysburg, PA, with her husband, three grown children, and three cats. She enjoys reading, walking the Gettysburg Battlefield, Civil War reenacting, and watching foreign mysteries. Julie’s work has appeared in magazines that include "Harpstring Magazine", "Liguorian", and "Radiant”, among others. You can find her on Wimkin.