Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to reflect on the profound and life-changing path of the Cross. The Cross stands at the center of our faith, not merely as a symbol of suffering, but as a beacon of sacrificial love, the ultimate expression of God’s grace.
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus, we are called to embody this same spirit of sacrificial living and giving, for the way of the Cross is not only the way of salvation, but also the way of life for every believer.
1. The Cross: A Call to Self-Denial
Jesus says in Matthew 16:24, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
The verse points to the starting point of sacrificial living. It is an invitation to deny ourselves, to let go of our own ambitions, desires, and even comforts, so that we might align our hearts and lives with God's will.
Sacrificial living means we no longer live for ourselves but for Christ. Our priorities shift from seeking personal gain to seeking the kingdom of God, from satisfying our desires to fulfilling His will.
Jesus did not live for Himself; every breath He took was for the glory of the Father and for the redemption of humanity. Likewise, our lives should be marked by this same sacrificial spirit.
We are called to put others before ourselves, to love without expecting anything in return, and to serve without seeking recognition.
2. The Cross: A Call to Love and Compassion
The Cross is not only a symbol of suffering but also of boundless love. Jesus laid down His life for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). It is the kind of love that is sacrificial— it gives without counting the cost.
Christians are called to do just that, to love in the same manner Jesus loves.
1 John 3:16 reminds us, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
Sacrificial giving means that we open our hearts and hands to those in need, not just with material resources, but also with our time, our care, and our prayers. It means loving others even when it is inconvenient, costly, or painful. This is what it means to follow Christ.
When we choose to give sacrificially, we reflect the heart of God to the world around us. Our sacrificial love becomes a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Cross amid the world that is driven by self-interest.
3. The Cross: A Call to Surrender and Trust
At the heart of the Cross is surrender—Jesus surrendered His will to the Father, even in the face of unimaginable suffering.
He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). The essence of sacrificial living is this: trusting God enough to lay down our lives, our plans, our possessions, and our rights, believing that He knows what is best for us.
Living sacrificially means walking in faith, even when we don’t understand what lies ahead. It means being willing to follow Christ, even when the path is hard, trusting that He will provide for our needs and sustain us in our weakness.
4. The Cross: A Call to Radical Generosity
Finally, the way of the Cross calls us to radical generosity.
Jesus gave everything—His very life—so that we might have eternal life.
We are called as followers of Christ to live with open hands, recognizing that all we have comes from God and is meant to be used for His glory.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, we are reminded that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Our giving should not be out of obligation but out of love, a joyful response to the immeasurable grace we have received through Christ.
When we give sacrificially—whether it’s our time, talents, or resources—we are investing in eternity. We are helping to build the kingdom of God and participating in His mission of redemption.
And though sacrificial giving may cost us something in the short term, it brings a far greater reward—the joy of knowing that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.
Conclusion: Following the Way of the Cross
Brothers and sisters in Christ is consider the way of the Cross. Let us remember that sacrificial living and giving are not burdensome but liberating. It is in giving that we receive, in dying to self that we truly live.
Jesus' example on the Cross shows us that true greatness comes through servanthood, and true riches are found in a life poured out for others.
So, let us take up our crosses daily, living lives marked by self-denial, love, trust, and generosity.
In doing so, we not only draw closer to Christ but also become instruments of His grace in the world.
Let us commit ourselves to walking in the way of the Cross, embracing the life of sacrificial living and giving, knowing that through it, we will reflect the glory of God and advance His kingdom on earth.
Amen.
