Today’s Gospel presents several sayings with profound meaning for our lives. Jesus speaks openly about his coming suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem. He tells his disciples that anyone who wishes to follow him must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow him. He also presents the great paradox of the Gospel: whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Christ’s sake will find it. Finally, Jesus asks, “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” These words invite us to examine our priorities. We spend much of our lives working, caring for our families, and planning for the future. Jesus reminds us that there is something far more valuable than success, wealth, or achievement. Our greatest treasure is our soul, and nothing in this world can replace it.
The world often measures success by wealth, power, popularity, and influence. Many people spend their lives chasing these things, believing they will bring lasting happiness. Yet material success never satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart. Riches fade, health declines, fame disappears, and earthly possessions are left behind. At the end of our lives, we will stand before God not with our wealth, titles, or achievements. Jesus invites us to keep everything in its proper order. We should work honestly, care for our families, and use God’s gifts wisely, but never allow them to take the place of God. When worldly success becomes more important than our relationship with Christ, we risk losing what truly lasts forever.
The history of the Church is filled with inspiring examples of people who understood these words. The saints, martyrs, missionaries, and countless faithful Christians chose Christ above comfort and worldly success. There are also countless unknown Mother Teresas among us today. They are parents who sacrifice for their children, husbands and wives who remain faithful, priests and religious who quietly dedicate their lives to God’s people, and ordinary believers who generously serve the poor, the sick, and the lonely. By giving themselves in love, they discovered the secret of true happiness. Their lives became living interpretations of the Gospel. They remind us that only by giving ourselves do we truly receive life. Every genuine act of self-giving brings us closer to Christ, who gave everything for our salvation on the Cross.
Jesus also tells us that if we wish to follow him, we must take up our cross each day. Every person carries a cross. For some it is illness; for others it is family difficulties, loneliness, disappointment, financial struggles, or the loss of someone they love. We naturally ask God to remove these burdens. Yet sometimes the Lord gives us something greater than their removal: he gives us the strength to carry them with faith. The Cross is never the final word. Every cross carried with Christ leads to resurrection and new life. United with Jesus, our sufferings become a source of grace, and the cross becomes the path to eternal life.
It is time to ask whether these words of Jesus truly shape our lives. Are we doing anything each day to nourish our spiritual life? Do we spend time in prayer, read the Word of God, receive the sacraments, and care for those in need? Jesus continues to ask every one of us today: “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” May we never forget that our relationship with Christ is our greatest treasure. Strengthened by this Holy Eucharist, let us choose what is eternal over what is temporary, carry our crosses with hope, follow the Lord faithfully each day, and one day rejoice forever in his heavenly kingdom.
Fr. Mathew Charthakuzhiyil