Denying oneself

Friday of week 6 in Ordinary Time

Mark 8:34-9:1 

Central to the faith is the willingness to carry our crosses just as Jesus did.  That cross is translated to good works as mentioned in the first reading.

St. James underscored the importance of deeds in in manifesting faith: "Faith without works is dead."  A lively faith can be shown through the following deeds:

1. Renouncing - upon knowing what we want, let's have the courage to value others, much more, God himself.
2. Taking up the cross - to understand the whole notion of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and how we are saved everyday if we also do the same.
3.  Following Jesus - which could serve as the greatest joy of our lives, because every moment is spent on actually his will all for the sake of others.