Summary: Jesus teaches his disciples that following him means self-denial and taking up their cross. He explains that saving one's life means losing it, but losing one's life for him brings true life.
Gospel Acclamation: Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 16:24-28)
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each one according to his conduct.
Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
See more resources for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time I