In today’s gospel (Mark 8:27-35) Jesus reveals himself to his disciples as the long-awaited Messiah.  It is interesting that immediately after this revelation, Jesus goes on to explain what being the Messiah really means – how he would need to suffer and die in order to complete his mission.  It seems that Jesus might have been trying to prepare his closest followers for what was to come and to help them overcome the inevitable doubt and despair that would overwhelm them after his crucifixion.  But this scripture passage is also instructive for us in this day.  For us, the key point is contained in what Jesus says to the larger crowds after speaking privately to his disciples.  Jesus tells us that if we wish to follow him, we must imitate him – we must bear our burdens, hardships, and sufferings willingly and with trust in God.  

In this scripture passage, Peter correctly proclaims Jesus as Messiah, but in the next breath Peter shows that he is not willing to accept the violent and humiliating fate that is in store for Jesus.  Christ tells Peter (and all of us) that we cannot have it both ways.  If we truly profess Jesus as our Savior we need to walk in his footsteps, and willingly accept the hardships of this life. If we are to be truly faithful to Jesus, we need to carry our own crosses with our heads held high in faith.  And it is not just about bearing our own hardships.  We are called to embrace the hardships of others and assist them in their struggles.  When you think about it – isn’t this the essence of charity and justice?  – helping others with their burdens and sufferings, helping others carry their crosses.  

Jesus also tells us that we are blessed by our hardships and sufferings.  Indeed, for many of us, it is when we experience tough times that we find ourselves drawing closer to God.  So when you think about it, if the challenges we face cause us to turn to God and deepen our relationship with him, then we are indeed blessed by the hardships we face.  

Also, when you think about it, bearing our burdens with faith might also be the best form of evangelization – the most effective way of demonstrating trust in God and belief in our eternal destiny.  When we carry our crosses with faith and without complaint, others are sure to take notice and reflect on God as our source of strength.  Similarly, when we act with charity and justice – when we help others with their crosses – others will come to see God’s goodness and love.

Jesus forewarns us that life will not always be easy.  There will be times of hardship and even times of great suffering.  But by patiently enduring life’s difficulties and by helping others with the same we all journey closer to God.  And in the final analysis this is the most important thing in life.  And of course, we know that no matter what we face, he is there with us to help us through.