Sunday’s Reflection: There is always a temptation to confidently read any of the bumbling apostles’ stories from our post-resurrection perspective. For us, we know the story of Jesus. Perhaps, we wouldn’t make their mistakes. But this attitude can often distort just how similar to the apostles we truly are, despite being the people of the resurrection. How often do we—like St. Peter—desire a Lord who would destroy his executioners rather than forgive them with his dying breaths?

It is perhaps telling that Jesus immediately references the effects that his death and resurrection will have on those who follow him, that they must also take up a cross. The redemption that Jesus promises is both more terrible—according to merely human things—and wonderful—according to divine things—than we could ask or imagine. What have you had to deny in taking up your cross and following Jesus?