NOTES for Mar 8:34-9:1

The Saviour's words, “Whoever wants to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me,” give us remarkably specific instructions. The meaning of His words only seems difficult to understand. The reason is that it is difficult to desire to fulfil them. The experience of living among other people, which every person possesses, gives us an inner knowledge of what it means to deny ourselves. It means not living for our own interests (or for other lofty interests) while giving others our time and strength only as a great favour. It means that another person's need for you, your help, and your attention is more important than your own needs for anything. It means that people do not merely give you an opportunity for humility; they imperiously and harshly demand it, extending their claims to dominion all the way to the very centre of your personality. To accept this for Christ's sake is what it means to take up your cross. The human heart knows all this. Sometimes we even have to act according to this commandment because no other way exists to build healthy relationships with people. But this happiness proves so painful that it is very difficult to consent to it for the sake of the Crucified One.