Today's Gospel reading puts clearly before us the two aspects of the work of our redemption. Jesus, the Son of Man, must suffer and die for us. In response to the great sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross for our redemption, we must in turn respond by taking up our cross each day and following in his footsteps.

Unless there is another great persecution of the Church, most of us will not be called to die as martyrs. Yet the call to carry our cross and follow in Jesus' footsteps remains a real call in every age and in all stages of life. Throughout the ages, the saints have taught us different ways to interpret this call in the many different circumstances of life so that we can really and sincerely, faithfully and lovingly, respond to it. Jesus Himself hints at one way to answer the call: "what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?" Do not put material values above the spiritual value which guides you in the way of holiness. Let the love of God and all it entails be the guiding value for your life.