Taking up the cross and following Christ

[Paris_Blues]

I can’t remember which Gospel it was when our Lord said something like “deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me”.

I’m confused as always again what exactly does this really mean? The reason why I’m saying that is because I’ve heard different interpretations of it.

Some say it means sell everything and follow our Lord. Others say, it’s what you’re suffering - whether mentally, physically, etc. - , live through it because it’s your cross and follow our Lord.

What does the Church teach about this for reals?

 

[awalt]

It’s in a bunch of places - Matt 10:48, Luke 14:27, Matt 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23 are some I know of. Matt 16:24 sounds closest to what you may have heard.

In general taking up the cross means willing to make the ultimate sacrifice of even your life on earth, your things, your money, all your secular jewels, to live the life of Christ in love of God and neighbor. This means service of others. I always remembered one person’s definition of Purgatory was the place where “all love of self is purged for love of God and neighbor”.

“Denial” does not really mean self-denial in the context of denying yourself pleasures and being monastic (although that fits the definition I am about to give), it means self interest replaced by God interest in running your life - denial of “self” in making decisions, vs. following God’s direction fully.