Take Up the Cross

“Take up the Cross and follow me.” I heard it as a fervent plea, I did not know from whence it came and yet I knew it was the same. As one that I had heard before, chose not to listen, and ignore.

Those simple words that spoke to me, promised life eternally, peace and joy, salvation too. The way, dear Lord, to come to you. This time I took my blinders off. Opened my eyes, refused to scoff, though others claimed another way, would lead to wealth and fame one day.

I bowed my head. I heard your voice. I saw the everlasting choice. Releasing thoughts of wordly gain, I slipped my yoke of daily pain. Those bonds of earthly sins at last, aside and now, dear Lord, I know the well-marked park path that I should go.

Gladly now I lift my eyes, to answer without guilt or guise. “Show me the way that I should take, teach me the life that I should make, truly now, I see the sign the Cross you carry is also mine.”

“If any man will come after me… let him take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23