Gospel: August 7, 2026
August 7, 2026 (Friday)
18th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 2 (Green/Red/White)
St. Sixtus II, pope, & companions, martyrs St. Cajetan, priest
Dt 32:35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41
It is I who deal death and give life.
1st Reading: Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7
Gospel: Matthew 16: 24-28
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If you want to follow me, deny yourself. Take up your cross and follow me. For whoever chooses to save his life will lose it, but the one who loses his life, for my sake, will find it. What will one gain by winning the whole world, if he destroys his soul? Or what can a person give, in exchange for his life?
Know, that the Son of Man will come, in the glory of his Father with the holy angels, and he will reward each one according to his deeds. Truly, I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death, before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Reflection:
To prioritize God’s kingdom over personal desires.
Jesus calls His followers to a radical commitment that involves self-denial, carrying one’s cross, and a willingness to lose one’s life for His sake. Discipleship is not about superficial faith or comfortable Christianity—it is a profound surrender to the transformative power of Christ. Taking up the cross means embracing sacrifice, suffering, and even rejection, just as Jesus did. This call challenges us to prioritize God’s kingdom over personal desires, seeking eternal treasures instead of earthly gain.
Although it may seem daunting, discipleship is not a burden but a path to true freedom. It invites us to let go of what hinders our spiritual growth and trust in God’s promises. In surrendering ourselves, we discover the fullness of life in Christ—a life filled with purpose, love, and eternal hope.
This journey is not easy, but it is worthwhile. As we respond to the call of discipleship, we align our lives with the divine mission, becoming bearers of God’s grace and truth to the world.
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