When I had the opportunity to lead one of my first retreats as a young teenager, there was a passage that spoke to my heart: “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor 1:18). You have to look deep into the mystery of the cross to see its hidden power, which is fully disclosed in Christ. The cross is a central theme in today’s readings.

Jesus asks the synoptic question, “Who do people say I am?” (Matthew 16:13-16; Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20) In the Marcan account, the conversation is brief. While Peter took Jesus aside, Jesus rebuked him before his disciples. Jesus gives the criteria of discipleship to his disciples and the crowd: pick up our cross and follow him. Being a Christian is not easy. Jesus makes that point clear. While the cross may be rugged, it is undoubtedly the Christian way. Jesus set the example before us. It is the way to glory.

Furthermore, we must pick up our cross and follow Jesus. We must imitate Jesus by loving what he loved in the manner he loved. Jesus does not need more copiers. Jesus needs people who will follow him with their hearts. If we live in self-denial, renunciation to sin, and Christ as the center of life, our lives will never be meaningless.

The First Reading from Isaiah is popularly related to the prophecy of Christ as the suffering servant, while others may relate this passage to the entire people of God. There is a captivating line: “I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.” Flint is a rugged and rocky substance used to start a fire. When your face is like flint, it suggests that you are strong and determined, unstoppable in pursing the goal. Jesus loved each of us individually, thought of us in his suffering, and determined to offer this perfect sacrifice of praise. Set your face like the face of Christ. Let your face be like flint! Pick up the cross and follow.