Readings Romans 12:9-21 and Matthew 16:21-28
What would we wish for our children? Fortunately, almost 100% of parents want good things for their children. We want good things for them – a good life, full of blessings and good fortune.
This is one reason why people bring children to baptism. They bring them to God, asking for his blessing, his guidance and the Holy Spirit to guide them on their path through life. Most want for them the benefits of church membership – friends, the chance to join our childrens’ groups or to go to a church school. These are all benefits of church membership.
But do we want to put extra difficulties or obstacles in the way of our children? If there was a vote, I guess the majority would vote ‘NO’. But if we listen carefully to our New Testament and Gospel readings for today, it is quite clear that following the Christian way makes for a demanding life:
Hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Bless those who persecute you; Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. Live peaceably with all. Never avenge yourself,. If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Or from the Gospel:
Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
When we stop to think about it, living the Christian way of life is to do something which is is deeply unfashionable and difficult.
The way of the world is the easy way – let children do what they want, exact no discipline, defend them even when they’re in the wrong, teach them to go for what they want with no regard for others, teach no respect for God or for God’s creation, encourage self first. We see this all around to a greater or, hopefully, lesser degree. But today’s readings reflect on a different road.
So, let us remind ourselves of the way of the cross – a hard road. But it is nevertheless the way of life and peace. Jesus said: ‘For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.’
Amen
Rev’d Dr. Anne Morris
Vicar St. Oswald’s, Knuzden, Blackburn