“Take Up Your Cross For The Journey Of Lent!”

“Take Up Your Cross For The Journey Of Lent!”
African ontology which is akin to Jewish worldview is anthrpocentric – human-centred. That may explain why our orientations of Lent is geared towards that same direction.
What does it mean when we say “Christ is the reason for the season?” Or when we say “It is all about Jesus?” Jesus says the journey of Lent is about him. He said “…that the Son of man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and after three days rise again.”
Peter who had an anthropocentric worldview “took him aside and began to rebuke him.” Of course, that’s what a good friend should do; rebuke a friend who wants to imperil his life! It is however likely that Peter was not very much concerned about Jesus. He was probably thinking of what he will miss, considering that he and the others had forfeited everything to follow Jesus with hopes of a better and fulfilled life with Jesus as earthly king.
Jesus rebuked Peter, “Get behind me Satan! You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Jesus then took the opportunity to tell the crowd and his disciples the risks involved in true discipleship. This involves self-abnegation and to face the challenge of suffering, rejection and even death.
This is what Jesus as Christ is telling us even today. More time in prayer and meditations, fasting, abstinence and denial of bodily and sensual pleasures during Lent are a means of carrying your cross and following Jesus Christ and the gospels.
Do not think about the gains but rather prepare for the sacrifices. That notwithstanding, the gains are immeasurable and priceless; it is eternal life with Christ.
Remember there is nothing you can give in exchange for your soul(Mk.8:31-38).
Prayer: Holy Spirit teach me to have the things of God in mind and not the things of men. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!