Summary: To follow Jesus, one must deny self, carry the cross daily, and not be ashamed. True life is found by giving it up for his sake.
Gospel Acclamation: If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:14)
Jesus said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”