GOSPEL
‘What shall a man give in return for his soul?’
Matthew 16:24-28
At that time: Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.’ Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’
The Gospel of the Lord
The Three Conditions
Jesus speaks to us today about three essential conditions for being His disciples: denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him. To deny ourselves means to fight against our disordered desires—the ones that prevent the Holy Spirit from acting in us. To take up our cross means being willing to carry the weight of another’s sin. And to follow Him means working for and towards the salvation of others. We contemplate a God who became flesh—who willingly limited Himself. He lived over thirty years in a finite body, one that suffered as a result of sin, that grew tired… and He did it all for you and for me. How deeply He loves us!
To participate in His mission as a disciple is the greatest privilege we could ever be given.
Applied to Married Life
To participate in His mission as a disciple is the greatest privilege we could ever be given.
Applied to Married Life
Richard: Here we are, enjoying summer—but still kind of stressed… Beach bar, cold beer… The kids splashing around like they’re not even ours. Can you imagine living like this forever, Sophie?
Sophie: Richard, think about it seriously. A few days like this to rest and recharge—perfect. But a whole life centred only on comfort? We’d end up completely selfish. Our lives would lose meaning. We wouldn’t grow, and we wouldn’t build anything lasting.
Richard: You’re right. I didn’t mean it, really. I thank God for this break, but I’m also grateful for our everyday life—with all its messiness. That’s where we grow the most: in generosity, humility, service, compassion… It’s within our own limitations—and each other’s—that God purifies us and helps us mature as we work for Him in our family.
Sophie: Praise the Lord, who invites us to share in His Cross.
Richard: Praise be to Him. By the way, Sophie, have I told you how much I love you today?
Sophie: Nooo… It’s been a while!
Richard: I love you to bits.
Sophie: Oh, you big softy. Come here and give me a kiss.
Mother,
I thank God that He has called me to be His disciple. His mission is so great—so incredible—that He would want to share it with us. To help Him save others, starting with my spouse… There is nothing more valuable. Nothing more fulfilling. Praised be the Lord, who counts on me. Amen.
Sophie: Richard, think about it seriously. A few days like this to rest and recharge—perfect. But a whole life centred only on comfort? We’d end up completely selfish. Our lives would lose meaning. We wouldn’t grow, and we wouldn’t build anything lasting.
Richard: You’re right. I didn’t mean it, really. I thank God for this break, but I’m also grateful for our everyday life—with all its messiness. That’s where we grow the most: in generosity, humility, service, compassion… It’s within our own limitations—and each other’s—that God purifies us and helps us mature as we work for Him in our family.
Sophie: Praise the Lord, who invites us to share in His Cross.
Richard: Praise be to Him. By the way, Sophie, have I told you how much I love you today?
Sophie: Nooo… It’s been a while!
Richard: I love you to bits.
Sophie: Oh, you big softy. Come here and give me a kiss.
Mother,
I thank God that He has called me to be His disciple. His mission is so great—so incredible—that He would want to share it with us. To help Him save others, starting with my spouse… There is nothing more valuable. Nothing more fulfilling. Praised be the Lord, who counts on me. Amen.