On Tuesday of Holy Week Jesus again predicts His own death.  Jesus marched with resolve to embrace His cross.  It is difficult to embrace our cross.  We draw back from the pain.  Life is made up of crosses.  Embracing legitimate suffering is the way to mental health.  To hide, bury, deny, or avoid your suffering creates a false reality, which ends in a greater suffering.  Let Messiah bring you through your cross.  He is bringing you life out of your death.

Lord Jesus, You have affirmed to us that we cannot be your disciple without taking up our cross.  Teach us the way of the cross.  Teach us a dying that is living.  Teach us a slavery that is freeing.  Teach us that there is no defeat that can keep us from your victory.  Amen!