Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Luke 9:22-25)

Lord Jesus Christ, 

You foretold Your suffering, rejection, death, and Resurrection. You spoke not only of Your Cross, but of ours, “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me”. In this holy season, teach us the meaning of true discipleship. When self-denial feels difficult, when sacrifice feels heavy, when obedience costs us comfort or pride, remind us that the Cross is not loss, it is the path to life.

Lord Jesus, save us from the illusion that we can gain the whole world and still keep our souls intact. Protect us from chasing success without truth, pleasure without love, achievement without holiness. Lord, give us courage to lose what must be lost, our selfishness, our fear of suffering, our attachment to sin, so that we may gain what cannot be taken away: communion with You.

As we walk this Lenten journey, Lord, help us to take up our cross daily, not with resentment, but with trust. Not with despair, but with hope in Your Resurrection and may every small sacrifice unite us more deeply to Your redeeming love and may the crosses we carry become seeds of glory. Amen