Take Up Your Cross

by Fr. Jess Ty  |  06/28/2026  |  Weekly Reflection

Dear Family of God,

This Sunday’s readings complement last Sunday’s, which emphasized the violent reaction that the proclamation of the Gospel often receives. This Sunday, on the other hand, we are reminded that not everyone opposes the Good News, and those who assist in its spread will be rewarded with the messengers themselves. “Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward…”

Following our Lord involves sacrifice but also reward now and in the next life. The cross is not limited to Lent and Good Friday; rather it is central to our daily call as disciples of Jesus Christ. St Teresa of Avila said: “The cross is the only ladder to heaven.” The Cross is our Path to glory. We are created to share in the glory of God. Because we have been baptized into the life of Christ, we are destined to participate in His Glory.

As Saint Paul reminds us in our second reading, we rightly consider ourselves “dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.” According to Dr. Bergsma, “Jesus came to free us from sin not just the consequences of sin, he died not only to atone but also to heal our wills so that we can choose God and not self. To sin, ultimately, is to choose separation from God.” Nothing and no one else can ever fulfill us. God alone can bring us to the glory that we desire.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary help us to experience heaven now and for eternity

Yours in Christ through Mary Immaculate.