Daily Reflection – 11/26/2025
Sacred Scripture
Jesus said to the crowd: “Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”( Luke 21:12-19)
Reflection
Today’s scripture can feel heavy, even unsettling. Jesus warns His followers of persecution, betrayal, and trials for their faith. It’s a sobering reminder that the path of discipleship is not without its challenges. Yet, within this warning lies a profound promise: God’s protection and the assurance of eternal life. This duality—warning and promise—invites us to reflect on how we face the crosses in our lives and how God’s grace sustains us through them.
All of us carry crosses. They are the burdens that threaten our happiness and hope, the struggles we cannot avoid. For some, these crosses may seem small—daily frustrations, fleeting doubts, or minor conflicts. For others, they are overwhelming: chronic illness, fractured relationships, financial instability, or the weight of mental health struggles. Whatever form they take, our crosses are part of our human experience. They greet us each morning, often unbidden, and demand our attention.
It’s natural to wish these crosses away, to hope for an escape. And when we can resolve or remove them, we should. But many crosses are not so easily shaken. They linger, reminding us of the brokenness of our world and our own imperfections. It’s important to remember, though, that God does not give us these crosses. God is the source of goodness, not the author of suffering. Crosses arise from the imperfections of life, not from the hand of a loving Creator.
So, how do we respond to the crosses we cannot avoid? The only way forward is to carry them. To consent to them. To lift them to our shoulders and say, “Yes, this is my cross. I cannot escape it, so I will accept it.” This act of acceptance is not resignation; it is liberation. When we take up our cross, we are no longer paralyzed by it. We can move forward, step by step, with love and hope. And in that moment, Christ, who carried His own cross, comes alongside us. He whispers, “Courage. Let’s take this one step at a time. Follow me into glory.”
Carrying our cross does not mean we carry it alone. God’s grace, the love of others, and our own patient endurance lighten the load. Crosses, though heavy, do not have to rob us of joy or hope. They can become part of our story, just as Jesus’ scars became part of His. After His resurrection, Jesus did not hide His wounds. He showed them as signs of healing, as proof of God’s faithfulness. In the same way, our scars—our struggles and hurts—are reminders that God has been with us, that others have loved us, and that our future can still be blessed.
Admitting our crosses and scars is an act of honesty and faith. It allows us to say, “Yes, I am the one who has faced loss, made mistakes, or endured pain. But I am also the one who has been healed, loved, and redeemed.” Our injuries cannot be erased, but they can be healed. And healing begins when we invite God into our brokenness. When we ask God to change us, to make our hearts a manger for His gifts, we open ourselves to transformation. If we seek peace, we must give ourselves to the Prince of Peace. If we long for healing, we must open ourselves to God’s love.
Through it all, Christ is at our side, helping us bear the weight of our cross. He turns our burdens into blessings, our scars into signs of hope, and our trials into testimonies of His faithfulness. With Him, we can move from death to resurrection, from despair to joy, and from fear to love.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus Christ, by your death on the cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your love for me. Walk with me as I carry my cross in your light.
Daily Note
Life can be difficult. Each one of us has a cross to bear. But the good news is that our cross is not a punishment but an opportunity. So, when evil strikes, when pain begins, do not be afraid or despair. If we can take up our cross and carry it in Jesus’ name, it need not paralyze us or destroy us. The crosses we carry in Jesus’ name, can transform us into genuine daughters and sons of God!
