In today's Gospel reading, we see how the revelation of Jesus' identity is much connected with the announcement of his passion so that the disciples will realize what is in store for him and eventually for them to follow him. This is why he said to them, 'if anyone wants to be follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross everyday and follow me.'

As disciples of Jesus we are expected to do this.

So to be followers of Jesus we need to obey the commandments of God (as in the frist reading) and live them out in our daily life. As such we will strive to adhere to what the Word of God tells us and pay attention to the challenges so as to make good decisions in line with God's plan of salvation. One of the challenges is to be in solidarity with those who are suffering and find it difficult to carry their 'crosses' everyday of their lives. This is one of the invitations to us during this Lent.