Summary: Jesus foretold his suffering, death, and resurrection, setting the stage for a profound teaching on discipleship. He called for self-denial and daily commitment from anyone wishing to follow him, emphasizing that true life is found not in self-preservation but in self-sacrifice for his sake. He questioned the value of worldly gain at the cost of one's soul, challenging followers to consider the eternal weight of their choices.
Gospel Acclamation: Repent, says the Lord; the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)
Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
Then he 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?”