HOMILY FOR THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY — YEAR A

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: TAKE UP THE CROSS
BY: Bishop Gerald M. Musa
Many baptized Christians can be classified as casual, passive, or nominal believers. We are often unwilling to make significant sacrifices for the sake of Christ. However, being a Christian is not a life of ease—it requires commitment and endurance. Jesus clearly states the cost and condition of discipleship: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY FOR THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY
“If anyone” means that every believer—regardless of age, status, gender, or background—is invited to follow Christ freely, humbly, and patiently. To deny oneself means giving up arrogance, pride, and excessive attachment to comfort, position, or status. To take up the cross means embracing suffering, enduring hardship, and accepting persecution for Christ’s sake.
The cross symbolizes trials, struggles, and sacrifices. Just as success requires dedication and effort, the path to salvation demands perseverance, suffering, detachment, and selflessness (2 Cor. 11:23-27). Nothing truly valuable comes easily. The book of Proverbs reminds us, “To the godly, afflictions are often as necessary as food and drink; for prosperity can become a dead sea” (Prov. 1:32). Are we truly ready and willing to follow Jesus by carrying the cross of trials and persecution with patience?
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>>>
Dear friends in Christ, We have been sustained by your Charity for the past 11years. Here we are saddled with annual bills. Please, be kind to us with your donation. Click on the “Donate” button to get started. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!