Hear the invitation of Jesus:
If any of you want to be My follower,
you must turn away from your selfish ways,
from the things you think you want and need.
You must pick up your cross and follow Me.
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.
But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
What is it you need to turn away from
in order to follow Jesus more closely?
(time of silent reflection)
Are there things you may need to give up
in order to follow Jesus more closely?
(time of silent reflection)
What do you hear Jesus calling you to do?
(time of silent reflection)
Merciful God,
help us to turn away from things that do not lead to life--
from attitudes and actions that get in the way of our relationship with You
and distract us from hearing Your voice and doing Your will.
Open our eyes and ears to Your presence and Your call.
Give us courage to take up our cross and follow where You lead,
even if the path is uncertain or leads in unexpected directions.
For You alone are God, and we are Your people.
Take our lives, and use us to Your glory. Amen.
