18 February Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time.

James 2:14-24,26/Ps 112:1-2,3-4,5-6/Mark 8:34-9:1.

Theme: Basic requirements

Every institution has its own requirement for admission into such institution. It demands a person to meet such basic requirements prior to the admissibility thereafter.

Such requirements must be clearly spelt out without ambiguity.

For the institution of discipleship, Jesus spells out three primary and fundamental requirements.

1. Self-denial: Self-denial demands that we do not allow our possessions to possess us. Instead, we make God our priority. Our inheritance is the Lord. We love God above all things.

2. Take up one's cross: We must endeavour to know our crosses before we can take them up and carry. Our crosses vary. However heavy it may be, Jesus gives us example. We must remember that we are not alone in via. Insofar as there is a cross, there is always a Simon of Cyrene who comes to our aid to help us carry our crosses. Ours is to take up the Cross. The Lord would grant us the strength and helpers to help us carry them faithfully and conscientiously.

3. Follow Jesus: The school of Jesus, primarily, is to follow Jesus. Nothing should be a hindrance to follow Jesus. He told Peter to get behind him because he Peter lost the meaning of his discipleship.

These are works of faith. It is only faith that can lead us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Jesus. It is faith in action and not only faith.

We pray for the grace to deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Jesus. May He bless and keep us all.

We pray for God's healing for those suffering cardiovascular diseases. God loves you precious one.

Have a blessed day.

+Padre Petros Paulos+